Gary’s comments

I hope all of you are coping as well as can be expected with this Coronavirus epidemic. From news reports, they have several vaccines on the horizon.  Until they are developed and administered, we will continue to have social distancing.

Today is week four of our being quarantined and locked down. We still have a week and five days to go, it they don’t extend it.  They have given one pass per family or household. Mirasol, our helper has a pass for us. I can take her in my car to get groceries, etc., but I am not allowed to get out of my car.

Coronavirus numbers by countries Weblink:
https://epidemic-stats.com/coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR3J-_l3oYP-zMAUiKyNmLelGDGxMzFdUo139VXdmtg_V24YmB-A1QZQrlk

Memories of Carlyle Nelson
From LeaRae Parrill Espe (’67):  Bottineau, ND

Carlyle is a close, longtime friend of my family. He is the son of Abe and Mary (Evanstad)  Nelson. Annie Evanstad Atherton and Mary were sisters.

The children on the picture taken by Rendahl are cousins.

Carlyle’s older sisters Loretta and Evelyn went to High School in Dunseith with mom’s sister, Marie Nelson Parrill and mom, Mildred Nelson Parrill. Country kids had to room in town.  All four of the Nelson girls roomed together at Mrs. Bedard’s for one or two of the years.  Talk about confusing– four Nelsons, two sets of sisters, not related.

Later, mom would take a teaching job down by Minot. She could catch a ride up the Willow Road as far as Abe’s. Carlyle would hitch up the horse and buggy and give her a ride a few miles back to her parents’ home East of the Willow Lake road.  At the time Carlyle was 12 and mom was 19 and 20. They often talked about those rides and mom was so appreciative. Carlyle said he was happy to do it as he got out of milking cows on those occasions.

He would visit us often when I was a kid.  Sometimes he would stay overnight at our place.  He helped dad with different projects.  Later dad farmed his land in the hills.

After he was married, he moved to California and worked as a heavy equipment operator. (I think he also drove heavy equipment building the Garrison Dam). His wife, Teresa Davis,  worked for the??? park service Redwood Forest. We saw a picture of her in the huge tree that tourists drive through to enter the park.

Carlyle’s son passed away at an early age of leukemia.  He is buried at Rendahl. His daughter, Dr. Melissa K. Nelson is a professor at the University of San Francisco.

Mom and I still keep in touch with some of his sisters. Carlyle will be missed.

“I Contain Multitudes”
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70): d Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

            It is Friday April 17, 2020.  

What a time in History to be living through.

            I was up and about well before 6:00 a.m. today on my way to the walking bridge on Oak Creek.

The bridge at mornings first light has gotten to be a special mindfulness time.

The   running water sets into calming the spirit for the day

            T’was about 26 above and Buie got somewhat chilled riding in his stroller,.

 Arriving home, we tucked into quick early morning naps.

            Whenever, I leave to go to school,  I hide dog treats before I go out the door.  

Buie is like a kid who once experienced something he likes, goes into “ready to repeat” attitude. 

He absolutely loves ….”Hide and seek, trick & treat,  run and look, look, look” command.”

            Off to school, I went to gather my Friday “DISTANCE things stuff and return home. 

This day warmed considerably but a mighty North Dakota wind is fixing to keep Buie’s stroller garage bound..

            Whilst checking out noon news I was sidetracked.  

I chose to listen,  Bob Dylan, “I Contain Multitudes”.

            Gobsmacked not country!  But what an exquisite song!      

            I refuse to listen to anymore news today until ND Gov. Burgum @4:00 p.m. 

(Facts just the facts)

             My plan is another listen,  “I Contain Multitudes”.

            Keep safe and be North Dakota Smart Everyone.

Later,

 Vickie Metcalfe

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau, ND

 Carlyle Nelson, age 86 of Bottineau, died Friday, April 10, 2020 at his home in Bottineau.

Carlyle was a member of the BHS Class of 1951.  He was a brother of EdnaMae Nelson (member of my class, 1957, for a few years)

Neola

1/22/2009 Posting from Gary Stokes
Carlyle is Abe Nelson’s son who lived in the Willow Lake road. Carlyle is living in Bottineau. He went to high school in Bottineau. Carlyle still has the farm up on the Willow Lake road several miles south of the Willow Lake School.  I saw a lot of Carlyle, both in Dunseith and Bottineau, with our trip back for the reunion in 2007. Gary

Gary’s Comments
I am saddened to hear of Carlyle’s passing. I got acquainted with Carlyle at the 2007 Dunseith 125-year reunion.  With subsequent trips back we saw a lot of and became very well acquainted with Carlyle. We’d see him daily, often multiple times, at the Bottineau Bakery. He invited us to his house several times. The picture of him with Bernadette, below, was taken in his house. Carlyle was such a nice friendly guy. I will dearly miss him with future trips back to the area. He graduated from BHS but was Dunseith at heart.

Message from Lee (Leland) Stickland (’64):  Dickinson, ND

Gary,

I just sat down this Monday,  3-30-20, @ 11:30 am MDT, waiting for my tea water, which comes a bit Before the meal that is delivered to our room, since about the 19th. Not a problem for me as I pretty well stay in my room anyway.

I have the telecaster and a superb amp that my son, Eric, who lives in Boston, sent me, and I have many books. When I need more books, I let Eric know and Viola’, in 3 or 4 days I rec. I get 4 new books with titles that are a surprise; usually biography.

I am great. Feel just wonderful. Hope YOU & YOUR BRIDE is ” hunkering-in-place ” successfully, also.  Lunch HAS arrived!

Later,

Lee

Gratitude
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Bottineau, ND

Good Friday, April 10, 2020

Hello it so good to greet you Gary,
and many Dunseith Alumni friends,

            The Bottineau Vets building is closed for the coffee drinkers.
I think the vets see a need and are making a space available for sewers of masks..

            I listen each day to ND Gov Burgum on Bottineau ‘s KBTO Sunny 101,9 @ 3:30 pm. Gov Burgum talks common North Dakotan sense and uses true facts.

  ………no gossip or Facebook.

Yesterday, he shared of models that many national news’ outlets have quoted and shares FAULTY information.

            ND doesn’t have all the deaths that model has listed.
So far ND has 6 people who have passed away.
Today’s fact 9 North Dakotans yesterday were diagnosed.

            I especially like when Gov Burgum discusses GRATITUDE somewhere each time in his message.
Gratitude is a major factor being resilient.

            Yes, we North Dakotans are being challenged.
Mostly,  everyone is rising to the challenge of Social Physical Distancing.
Others are finding change extremely challenging.

            One of my own family members has written PHYSICAL Distancing notice posted on their door.
NO apology just stated facts.  Good for them!

            I do not wear a mask. Yet.
One of my siblings told me she is sending me one. If not i will drape a scarf. …. I will try to find a really ugly one.

            CHANGE’s of long held habits are difficult.
Stages of grieving when confronted with any kind of loss have been defined as follows.

Anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance
These stages do not follow in specific order for each of us .
Each of us may be at a different stages or places in their grief.
I need to remember this and know that this normal human behavior.

Two of my own personal examples’:

1. Dad’s diagnosis of Blindness.
   DENIAL
   I held on to hope after hope for a cure driving him to Minneapolis for treatment.
   My Denial was especially clear to mom.  When she told me of the notice for Dad’s license renewal had come in the mail.
   I ADAMENTLY expressed his license should be renewed!
   But Mom was well into ACCEPTANCE. She later experienced a brain tumor and loss of her sight in one eye
   She did all she could to continue making things normal for dad. 

2. Chainsaw accident years ago.
   I went into ACCEPTANCE immediately.
   FACT my arm was severely cut. FACT I lost blood, severed nerves artery. muscles, and bone
   FACT I was diagnosed as partial amputee.
   FACT I will never regain full feeling or use of left hand.
   Believing in the higher power carried me through.

FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS, MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS   … begin the long list for which, I am grateful.

Later,

Vickie

==============================================
POSTING FROM THE PAST
Blog (90) posted on Jun 18, 2010

Folks, I have some other postings, but I have limited today’s message to the reunion pictures. Gary

Reunion Picture replies with identifications:

Thanks, folks, for all the replies and help with the identification of these pictures. I am posting your replies with a reposting of the pictures with the correct identities.

Again folks, please send pictures.

Thanks, Gary

Note: Pictures twelve and fourteen are the only ones not fully identified.

From Alan Poitra (76): Bloomington, MN

Hey Gary, in pics 14, I know the front 2 people are Eric and Sandra Poitra and the woman behind Eric is Bernice Belgarde I think, the one right of Sandra not sure but I believe another Belgarde. In pic 3, the two ladies sitting on the left are Pam Wenstad and Delorie Enno and the 2 handsome men on the right of course that is me Alan Poitra next to Delorie and my partner Mark Larsen and behind us is Bernard and Robin Morin and I think the lady behind Del and Pam is Mrs Espe, (Robin’s Mom)

Hopefully that will help you out!

Thanks Alan, It was a pleasure to finely see you face to face after all these email exchanges. I dearly love the CD that you sent me last year too with the good old ‘honky tonk’ tunes recorded by your family. It may not be Bernadette’s taste for good music, but it’s mine, so I listen to it when she is not around. Gary

From Susan Fassett Martin (65): Spearfish S

#10 -Olynda(Eurich) and Ydola Pigeon, #8 Terry Halvorson on the left, Gwen Struck in the brown jacket, #7 Gwen Grimmes husband in the rear, #3 Peggy (sime)Espe in the green jacket, Alan Poitra sitting in the plaid shirt talking to Bernard Morin, #12 Lawrence Hetle in the blue t shirt and his wife in the pink jacket, #13 Lowell leonard visiting with connie burcham, Judy De Pew, Eva Eurich –That’s all the help I can give.

From Ele Dietrich Slyter (69): Dunseith, ND

picture 3 top right side is Bernard Morin
picture 4 is Richard Slyter, Dan McKown and Bobbie Slyter, Dan is a friend of Bobbie’s from Kansas
picture 5 in the backround is Diane Wenstad and Ele Slyter
picture 9/10 is Mr and Mrs Ydola Pigeon picture 12 guy with glasses is Harvey Sebelius and his wife on hiis left..don’t recognize the rest hope this helps

ele

Ele, It was a pleasure seeing you too after all these email exchanges. I recognized Richard from the pictures when you guys walked in. Had it not been for the pictures, I for sure would not have ever known him. He looks great, but not the way I remember him. My, how we all change and some more than others. 

From Bobby Slyter (70): Wichita, Kansas

Gary, the lady in #3 in the white blouse is Pam Wenstad in #4 next to Richard is my friend Dan Mc Kown and I am next to him in # 5 next to Diane Wenstad is Ele Slyter great pics thanks for all that you do

Bobby, It was so nice to see you again too after all these years. You Slyter boys are looking great, but not the way I remember you guys and I knew you well in our growing up days. Gary
From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI
Picture 10 Olynda and Ydola Pigeon.

From Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary, A couple of identifications that may help. In picture eleven you caught my brother Dan and his wife Robin. To the right of Robin and only partially visible is my sister Tina Bullinger in the pink sweater and to the right of Dan is Tina’s husband John Bullinger. In picture thirteen the lady at the back side of the table pointing to something is Shirley Bercham Sime spouse of Larry Sime (not present).

Hope that helps. Keith Pladson (66)

Keith, Those were some great old pictures that you were showing me that you got from your Aunt Lillian Thompson. When you get a chance, please scan and zap me copies. I’d love to share those. They included some of my/our Grandparents that I have never seen before. Thanks, Gary

From Marie Iverson Staub (60): Seattle, WA

Gary,

picture 2 Lady in green standing is Peggy Espe (Sime)
picture 13 in back is Lowell Leanord, next two don’t know Eva Eurich and Cleo Kelly
picture 15 Barbara Iverson (lyonais) Helen Boguslawski

Marie Staub

Marie, It was so nice seeing you too.

From Gwen Struck Dumas (68): Havre, MT
Picture #8 Terry Halvorson Gwen Grimme Monte Espe Brenda Hoffman Dick Johnson Gwen Struck

 Gwen, I should have recognized you and Monte too. Gary

From Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

Hi Gary!

Photo eight: Terry Halvorson, Gwen Grimme, Monte Espe, Brenda Hoffman, Dick Johnson and Gwen Struck either shortly before or after we took the class of 1968 photo.

Brenda

Reply from Tina Pladson Bullinger (78): Bottineau, ND
Number Eleven John Bullinger

Picture Three:
Sitting: Pam Wenstad, Delorie Enno, Alan Poitra & Mark Larson Standing Left: Peggie Sime Espe
Standing right: Bernard & Robin Espe Morin

Picture Four:
Richard Slyter, Dan Mc Kown & Bobby Slyter”

Picture five:
Front: Kenny & Sherry Nerpel
Back: Diane Wenstad, Ele Dietrick Slyter, Richard Slyter

Picture six:
John/Margaret Bedard, Cora (Warren) Anderson, Kenny Nerpel & Ele Dietrick Slyter

Picture Seven:
Front: Ernie Gottbreht & Cheryl Bailey
Behind George Eltz, Standing Gwen Struck Dumas

Picture eight:
Terry Halvorson, Gwen Grimme Eltz, Monte Espe, Brenda Hoffman, Dick Johnson, Gwen Struck Dumas & Ernie Gottbreht.

Picture Nine:
Olynda(Eurich) & Ydola Pigeon, Brenda Johnson & Ron Hett.

Picture Ten:
Mildred Parrill, Olynda(Eurich) & Ydola Pigeon and Brenda Johnson

Picture Eleven:
Nancy Hosmer, Robin/Dan Pladson & John Bullinger

Picture twelve:
Larry Hackman pointing his finger at the camera. Lawrence Hetle in blue T-shirt, Armella Hetle in pink – Need some help with the

Picture thirteen:
Around the table L to R: Sharon Zorn Gerdes, Lowell Leonard, Connie Burcham Sime, Judy De Pew, Eva Eurich Paulson & Cleo Kelly

Picture Fourteen:
Front Left: Eric & Sandra Poitra Sitting behind: Bernice Belgarde Front Right: ???? Belgarde

Picture Fifteen:
Harlan/Joyce Flaata, Barbara Iverson Lyonais, Marie Iverson Staub& Helen Boguslawski

Gary Stokes Comment

Hopefully this Coronavirus will level out soon with an available vaccine. We are coping fine. Bernadette isn’t really aware of what’s really going on. Tata, Mirasol and Marites take very good care of her and me too. I have now arranged 24/7 care for Bernadette. Marites spends the night with her in our bedroom. I transferred my sleeping to one of our spare bedrooms upstairs. For the most part, Bernadette sleeps thru the night, but there are nights that she doesn’t too.

Starting today we are going into week three of our lockdown. Predictions are that this lock down will be until the end of the month. We have a large area so I am not confined to the house. I do Morning and night fast daily one mile walks, around my cars and pool table, in my Garage. Each round is 100’. 53 rounds makes a mile.

My husband passed away on St. Patrick’s Day.  Here is his obituary.  Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:   Bottineau, Nd

My husband would have been 89 years old in June.  He had had 3 stents in one leg and a tube from the knee to the groin in his other leg (circulation) for MANY years.  He had had COPD for many years and an incurable cancerous spot on one of his lungs.  He had had two other spots earlier.  Radiation treatments “worked” on them.  His mind was still good.  He even still had his own teeth and a full head of hair! He had lived in an assisted living facility for almost 2 years–mid-May 2018.  I know Wally went to Heaven, which gives me great comfort/peace.

God is taking very good care of me.

Neola

Wallace ‘Wally’ G. (George) Garbe

June 20, 1931 – March 17, 2020

Wallace “Wally” G. Garbe, 88, Minot, formerly of Kramer, ND, died Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in a Minot hospital. 

Wally was born June 20, 1931 at Bottineau, North Dakota, the son of Walter and Lillie (Thiel) Garbe.  He was raised and educated at Kramer and graduated from Kramer High School in 1949.   He attended Jamestown College for a year and then Minot State College, where he received a degree in Secondary Education.

Wally continued to assist with the operation of the family farm near Kramer and entered into active duty service with the U.S. Army in 1956.  He honorably served his country until 1958 when he was discharged and returned to North Dakota.  Wally taught in Kramer before he entered the military and in Bottineau after he was discharged.  He moved to Minot in 1960, where he became employed with First National Bank.

Wally was united in marriage to Neola Kofoid on November 26, 1969 in Minot.   They made their home in Minot, where he continued working at the bank as a loan officer until 1978.    He worked for a time at Northern Trophy and Engraving until retiring in 1996.  Wally moved to Edgewood Vista in May of 2018. He, along with his family, really appreciated the love and care he received from the staff there.

Wally was a longtime member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Minot, where he had served as an usher.  He was also a member of the Minot American Legion, Minot Gun Club, Minot Jaycees and Magic City Drift Busters Snowmobile Club. Throughout the years, he had enjoyed bowling, wood working, clock making, dancing, fishing, camping, hunting and trapping. 

He is survived by: his wife, Neola, Minot; sister, Linda (Allen) Bjornson, Minot; brothers-in-law, Maynard Kuebler (Inez Nathan), Minot & Jim Kofoid, Bottineau; nieces, Kristi (Jeb) Fredriksen, Denise (Ray) Kofoid Corbo & Michelle (Scott) Byrd; nephews, Shane (Tara) Bjornson & Oliver Kofoid; great nephews and nieces, Riley Bjornson, Vinson (Christina) Corbo, Alyssa Corbo, Alexis Corbo; Trevor and Maya Byrd; great great nephew, Malachi Corbo; godson, Ronald Gust.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Shirley Kuebler; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Emma Brudwick Kofoid. 

Service: Following the guidelines prescribed by Governor Burgum, there will be a Private Family Service by invitation in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.   ** A live stream of the service will be broadcast at (mtmsales.net/live) A Public Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2020 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred to St Mark’s Lutheran Church or an organization of the donor’s choice.

3/31/2020

Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70:  Bottineau, ND

Hey there Gary & Dunseith  Public School Alumni Friends,

Meanwhile back in ND it seems we are preparing for a covid 19 tsunami 

noun….an arrival or occurrence of something in overwhelming quantities or amounts.

If you please, “BE A LIGHT”.

MUSIC is another resilience strategy I share with students in grade six. 

Of late. it seems tonight, I am finding comfort food. 

 Homemade Mac and cheese with lots of Pride Dairy butter.

This past weekend I checked out Webb Pierce with the latest country countdown,

Number 29 featured his music on a current song by a current recording artist.

Hey, I was Country when Country wasn’t cool. 

The very first LP I purchased in HS was Willie Nelson.

Years ago, my “city girl” cousin pulled out and played her only guitar LP, Spanish guitar “Rodrigo”.

 I  had fretted  “Woes me” due to the lack of Country Music in her vast music library when she lived in a flat in Seattle.

                She had only Opera albums.

Thanks to her influence I did became a Rodrigo fan. Another treasured LP.

NORTH DAKOTA Smart!

Until Later, Vickie L. Metcalfe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YuWAZmD0aU

Mrs. Evans and the birds
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70:  Bottineau, ND

Wednesday, April 2, 2020
Gary and Dunseith Friends.

                Unfortunately, again today, the North wind is blowing BAH! …. the old “April FOOL”,  Mr. Snow around.

this past week, birds arrived just back in town from far and away.  They are very hungry with this cold weather; some are scarfing down bird seed on my deck. 

The   red ..red… robins , Pick, picking small crabapples off the tree and digging in the snow.

                This brought to mind, Randina Evans,  grandmother of some special cousins.

Children of James A. and Ella M. (Evans) Metcalfe.  

                When i was a wee child, I expressed my fear of loss of mom and dad.

(As a guidance counselor and grief work, I know this to be a common fear)

                 For children …. their greatest fear. Death pf a parent)  

I did go to my dad with that fear after Uncle Archie was killed.  

 Dad reassured me saying, “Don’t worry, you will be taken care of.  Your Jim and Ella will take all of you and your siblings.”

( Jim and Ella were my Godparents) and I always felt comfortable and loved by them both.

                And I recall staying with the Jim Metcalfe girls.   They tolerated my often impudence as a childlike behavior.

 Their maternal Grandma, Mrs. Evans often sang with her strong Norwegian brogue.

“Vat viil da birdies do den da poor tings?…” The memory of when she sang is indelible in my memories.

A tall graceful, angular woman, Mrs. Evans wore beautiful snow-white hair pulled up and back back, she had expressive dark blue eyes,

and an always twinkling smile as she sang. “They’ll stick their head under dere vings………”

                Today, Watching the many birds shivering in the snow. 

I googled small snatch of the lyrics that I recalled.  

      ” The north wind doth blow,

And we shall have snow,”

And what will the robin do then, poor thing? He’ll sit in a barn, And keep himself warm, And hide his head under his wing, poor thing!

 Thanks Gary and friends of Dunseith.

Low and behold!   The following came back.

https://nurseryrhymescollections.com/lyrics/the-north-wind-does-blow.html

                 And I am so very delighted!

Take carem Keep Smart North Dakotans, while I sing watching the birds.

  Vickie L. Metcalfe

                https://nurseryrhymescollections.com/lyrics/the-north-wind-does-blow.html

The north wind doth blow, And we shall have snow, And what will the honey bee do, poor thing? In his hive he will stay, Till the cold’s passed away, And then he’ll come out in the spring, poor thing!

The north wind doth blow, And we shall have snow, And what will the dormouse do then, poor thing? Rolled up in a ball, In his nest snug and small, He’ll sleep ‘til warm weather comes in, poor thing! The north wind doth blow, And we shall have snow, And what will the children do then, poor things? When lessons are done, They’ll jump, skip and run, And that’s how they’ll keep themselves warm, poor things!

Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70: Bottineau, ND

April 2, 2020
Subject: Return of the Birds \ 

A songbird clan was here yesterday in the April fool storm and ate quite well.

With today’s return,  again are eating scattered seed on my deck. 

They are flying in and out as I continue to scatter feed on the covered deck and out on the sidewalk.

Mr. Wood pecker is pecking away at the deck beams.

NO worry a few little holes, adds character to the deck!

There are about 8 robins trying to find food in the snowbanks.

I pray the neighbors 2 cats….. practice Social and PHYSICAL distancing today!

Later, Vickie

MOM ‘s April fool!
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (70:  Bottineau, ND

March 31, 2020
Gary and FRENDS of Dunseith Alumi,

I know you and yours will continue to be resilient! I am working at school today.

I can’t get into working at home. Lochbuie continues to be a ‘Terrible Two ‘even though he is now a 14-year-old geriatric.

We walked AT 6:00 am. To the Oak Creek several BLOCKS FROM OUR HOUSE The creek is flowing wide  open and running full blast.

I counted 10 raucous crows flying in, landing on tree next to the creek.  The Crows tended to be Mr. Sun’s Wake UP CALL!  When the sun awoke, the other birds pleasantly rejoiced and joined the crows.

We are keeping our distance at school. Down to a few.  The janitorial staff is painting the hallways It will freshen up and look clean whenever school children come back.

I really don’t think it will happen for a time.

I believe, ND Is preparing for the BIG TUSAMI to hit.

We have a wonderful leader in Gov. Burgum.  Yesterday, ND senators joined him in Bismarck on the broadcast at 4:00 pm.

Whoa every be prepared it is soon to be 1^st of April!

I remember my mom April Fooling my cousin Conrid who moved into our home after his dad died.  She covered a sponge with delicious chocolate frosting. (.which was one of my mother’s hallmarks i.e. homemade from scratch chocolate cake and frosting)

Then, she left it out on the counter before she went to bed.

She and dad , laid awake, until Conrid got home.  Then, they sniggered when they heard Connie him unlocking the door.

Mom said, “He paused by the ‘CAKE’ fetched a quart of milk out of the fridge. poured a glass of milk, then tried to stuff the ‘frosted cake ‘ on top the milk into the glass.

Conrid had a good sense of humor.  That event happenstance helped restore some of sense of humor and normalcy in our home after the cold grief of the loss of Uncle Archie who had been killed in January, by a hit and run drunk driver.

Conrid went back to his teasing ways!

Take care to You and yours.

Until Later, Continue to BE RESILIENT AND NORTH DAKOTA STRONG!

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Coronavirus and Colloidal Silver
Message from Mary Eurich Knutson (’62): Dunseith, ND

Hi Gary,

I got my computer working relatively well again and decided to respond to the blog for a change.  Is the coronavirus hitting your area? I haven’t seen it mentioned but maybe I’m not receiving all my e-mails.  I don’t know if it’s worth mentioning or not but I saw an article on computer a few days back where a pastor had said that colloidal silver was effective in killing the virus and that the food and drug administration had told him to shut his mouth. I have no idea if the silver is effective or not but I started washing my mouth and taking a swallow of silver every day. It would be a shame if it really worked and people were deprived of the information and have to go through that misery.  I don’t think it could hurt you. They used to say it would turn you blue but now they say it won’t so what the heck, you could do a lot worse than turn blue.  They used to use silver nitrate to wash babies’ eyes at birth. I saved them from going blind if the mother was infected with venereal disease. There’s a lot of information on computer, just look up colloidal silver and decide for yourself if it may be something a person would want to try for themselves.

So sorry to hear about Neola’s husband.

Take care Gary and all. Times may seem rough now but when I saw how people were panicking over toilet paper my first thought was, I hope the leaves come on the trees early this year. Some may not know what I mean but some may have had the same thought.

Take Care

Mary

Gary’s comments

 Mary, it’s so nice hearing from you again.

 Yes Mary, I am sure most all our readers will follow the drift about the leaves, especially we farm folks. In our day we had to make do with what we could find.

 Colloidal Silver is worth a try for the Coronavirus protection.

 Yes, starting today our area is on total lock down for this Coronavirus for one month. On Sunday, March 22^nd, all those 65 and above and 17 and below were locked down. So, I have been on lock down 8 days now. With total lock down they have designated one person per household, with a pass, that can leave the premises for necessities. We have designated Mirasol, one of our helpers, for our designated runner. I take her in my car and just stay in the car while she does our errands .  Grocery stores, restaurants for takeout only, Pharmacies, Banks, etc. are remaining open.  

My Dad’s Humor
Posting from Vickie Metcalf (’70):  Bottineau, ND

March 27.2020

Gary and friends of Dunseith Alumni,

Please excuse the many typing errors. One early morning this week finally, I followed Gary’s advice and picked up a keyboard from WM. Unfortunately, it has more keys and I my fingers get quite befuddled!

Years ago, My Dad’s vision was taken but never his humor. One summer in early August, Dad’s niece, my City-friend cousin, ‘City girl’ came and stayed at the farm for a couple weeks.

After supper, my young brother shared his concern that the young horse in the barn had somehow acquired a fetlock injury. He was successful at convincing Dad to walk down the hill to the barn to advise him on treatment.

‘City girl’ wished to watch and help her uncle Cliff administer aid to the horse’s injured ‘ankle’. Leaning on the white cane, the fetlock was held up to Dad while he shared with my brother how to care for horse. After advising how to treat the injury, Dad suggested refilling the bucket with fresh water and hay to be sent down a hay chute from the above haymow.

I filled the bucket, while ‘City girl’ volunteering,  nimbly ran up the steps (note’ where spring chickens happened to be roosting) She ran across the mow undid a Timothy hay bale and pitched it down. She then made a   hurried retreat across the mow, down the steps swiftly dropping the door.

Within the next minute flap, flap, flap, of wings SQWACKKKKKK! Horrified, ‘City girl’ crossing the length of the barn, ran back to the steps, looking up to the top, discovered a spring chicken’s head was caught in the closed door.

“OH NO!”  she yelled! She pushed up the door, gathered the limp chicken in her arms, continued sob carried the chicken to her uncle Cliff. “Oh no no! She moaned,  ” UNCLE Cliff, I KILLED one of Aunt Lottie’s chickens.”

Her uncle, white cane in hand, knelt down on the barn floor. “Bring me the chicken”,  he kindly said. He solemnly continued, “Turn it on its back.”  The chicken was laid out.  Smattering ‘City girl’ moved in closer looking for a miracle.

With curiosity, younger brother and I stepped back into the shadows watching the scene unfold. Our serious Dad, laying down the white cane, moved into kneeling position, held and moved the chicken’s legs Back and forth,  saying, “one,…. two,….. three,…. BREATHE.

It took a few seconds until “City girl” caught on and began to laugh the barn was filled with belly laughter! My dad consoled his sorrowful niece with humor.   Aunt Lottie echoed with a kind “No worry, let’s have some cool-aide with the jelly-roll.

PS ‘City girl’ had the singing voice of an angel ,studied  opera later chose became a 4th grade elementary teacher. She sang “The Lord’s Prayer” at her uncle Cliff’s funeral. Through the years we’ve shared many laughs over chicken dinner.

The above memory was activated by the b fwd from my departed friend Carroll’s, nephew I think Humor is the best tasting ‘social distance’ prevention medicine! Don’t You?

THANK YOU~Be SMART and take care everyone.  Vickie L. Metcalfe

==============================================
Blog (89) posted on Jun 17, 2010

Message with another good story
From Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND

Hello Gary

Happy to see you made it back to the PI safe and sound. It was great to finally get to meet you and your wife.

My brother Henry (class of 65) and his wife, and I (class of 66) and my wife had a great time.

We all wish we could of did a lot more visiting, with more people.

These type events are always tough to make time for and too attend.

Once you are there, you are happy that you made the decision to go.

Once they are over its sad, because it too, becomes a part of the past.

I thought I would write a funny little story that took place many years ago.

I hope you and everyone else enjoy the story and if nothing else it

puts a smile on your face for a little while.

Larry

The Backseat Driver

It was the 1960’s.This young fellow and his wife were headed for Bottineau to do some shopping. His wife was a back-beat driver, who sat right beside him as most backseat drivers do. She, as usual was on his case from the beginning of the trip to the end of the trip. You know, the usual stuff, you’re driving too fast, watch where you’re going, slow down, stay on your side of the road, and of course, turn here, signal before you turn, pay attention. This went on until they parked on

Main Street

in Bottineau.

His wife got out to go do her shopping, and with a smile and a cheery goodbye she was on her way. He stayed in the car, lit a cigarette with the push in car liter and put the radio on, as he did not like having to wander around through the stores. Sitting there on

Main St.

, Bottineau with not much to do, He began going through the glove box. To his surprise, he found a vice grips. Upon finding the vice grips a thought immediately passed through his brain. He had noticed while sitting there, that the steering shaft between the dash and the floor of that old car was exposed, and when he turned the steering wheel, it also turned… 

He wandered if he could steer that car with the vice grips attached to that steering shaft. He attached the vice grips to the exposed steering shaft, and pushed it back and forth and the steering wheel turned. He was getting excited as he knew he could make his idea work.

He was able to remove the horn button from the center of the steering wheel with his fingers. He used a screw driver that he had also found in the glove box to disconnect the electrical wiring for the horn. He then removed the nut holding the steering wheel onto the end of the shaft. To his surprise, as he lifted up on the steering wheel. The steering wheel just slipped off and on to the end of the shaft with ease. He was getting excited; this was possible and his plan was going to work. He replaced the steering wheel on the end of the shaft. Then he installed the horn button. He did not hook up the electrical wires to the horn. He put the nut to hold the steering wheel onto the shaft, into his pocket. He was ready! He was excited! He wanted his wife to hurry-up and finish her shopping. He was ready to head back to Dunseith.

The man could hardly contain himself as he saw his wife coming back to the car, loaded down with sacks. He got control of himself and greeted her pleasantly. He got out and happily, helped her put the sacks into the trunk. He made no comment about the stuff she bought or how much money she had spent. He even opened the door and let her in, and closed the door after her. He was happy. She was a little surprised, and asked him if he had gone to the bar while she was, she was shopping. He replied, no, and that he had stayed in the car and enjoyed the country music that was being broadcasted. She not wanting to spoil a good thing, happily said, lets, head for home.

He happily drove out of Bottineau and headed east down highway #5 toward Dunseith. His wife was her usual self, telling him when and where to turn, to slow down, and to stay on his side of the road. He would smile at her and say yes dear to keep her comfortable and happy. As he drove, he would feel down beside the seat to make sure the vice grip had stayed where he had put it and to reassure himself that everything was in position to implement his plan.

While driving east on highway #5 toward Dunseith, he finally came to the stretch of road that he was looking for. It was long and straight and as luck would have it, not another car in sight. He would have to distract her for a little while. He asked her if that was a coyote running out in that field as he pointed off to the south. While she was gazing off trying to locate the coyote, he calmly reached down grabbed the vice grips and locked them onto the steering shaft between his knees. His wife turned back to him and said she couldn’t see the coyote. He calmly said it had disappeared back there.

While driving he loosened his hand hold on the steering wheel and moved his knees back and forth and the wheel turned with the movement of his knees. He was ready. She noticed the car swerve side to side and told him to drive straight. He purposely now let the car drift toward the center of the road. She noticed immediately and told him to get on his side of the road.He argued with her, saying he was on his side of the road. She went onto say that he never keeps his eyes on the road or watches where he is going. He says to her, “Do you want to drive,” and calmly[1][1]y lifts off the steering wheel and places it in her hands. She looks at the wheel. She looks at him. Her eyes kept getting bigger. They look like they were going to fall from their sockets. Her face was going through all kinds of contortions, she was gasping for air and her mouth was open and moving. You could tell that she wanted to say something, but nothing was coming out, not a sound. She kept looking at him and then back at the steering wheel in her hands. Then all of a sudden, she found her voice and emitted this horrible sound of terror. A scream that chilled you, and made you shiver, a scream of pure terror. It surprised and scared him to the point, that he almost lost control of the car. It scared the hell out of him. He got so surprised by her look of pure fear, that he forgot where he was and what he was doing for an instant.

Remembering where he was and assuring himself that he still had control of the car, he reached over and took the steering wheel from her and slipped it back onto the end of the steering shaft.Removed the vice grips and continued driving. His wife who had watched him put the wheel back on and remove the vice grips in silence all of a sudden remembered how to talk and emitted a tirade of language that would have made a preacher blush. She pounded on his shoulder until it was numb. He laughed so hard that he was crying and could barely see the road.

This fellow , who is no longer with us, I’m sure, still laughs at this, and will appreciate me telling this story, so that everyone else can imagine how his wife felt, and how funny and proud he was and is of his accomplishment and his method of treating a backseat driver to some of her own medicine.

I think he is still laughing?

I was also reminded at the reunion that this fellow was also an excellent shot.That he once shot a hole through his neighbor’s ear, at distance of over 100 yards, with a 22cal. rifle. I don’t think his neighbor had asked for a piercing? Now, I have read somewhere that women, voluntarily started having their ears pierced in the year 1966.Apparently men started a little earlier and it was involuntary.

Larry

Larry, 

Story writing is a gift you have that we all enjoy. This one was no exception. Your stories are so bonding focused around Dunseith. Most of us walked the same turf, some at different times is all. That is what makes all this stuff so bonding. 

Yes Larry, it was a pleasure to finely see you face to face, after 45 plus years, at the reunion. As you noticed, I did not recognize you, even when you said Larry. It was a pleasure meeting your wife too. I did not realize that you and Henry married sisters. I’ll bet they’ve got some good stories they could tell too???

Gary
Reply to Mel Kuhn (70):
From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

Mel–

At least you are loyal to Mopar’s and didn’t “pollute” it! Nicely done!

Reunion Pictures:

Folks, I don’t recognize everyone in these pictures. Please provide feedback so I can repost with the correct identities.

Again folks, please provide any pictures you may have. I am nearing the end of mine for posting that we took at the reunion.

Thanks, Gary

Dale’s Bill board sign.

I was pleasantly surprised and honored when I saw this. Thanks George

Jerry/Susan Pladson & Keith/Alice Pladson

Picture Three:
Need some help with identification.

Picture Four:
Richard Slyter, ????,???? – need some help

Picture five:

Front: Kenny & Sherry Nerpel
Back: Diane Wenstad, ????, Richard Slyter.

Picture six:

John/Margaret Bedard, Cora (Warren) Anderson, Kenny Nerpel, ?????

Picture Seven:

Front: Ernie Gottbreht & Cheryl Bailey
Behind ????, Standing ????

Picture eight:
????, Gwen Grimme Eltz, ????, Brenda Hoffman, Dick Johnson, ????
& Ernie Gottbreht.

Picture Nine:
????, ????, Brenda Johnson & Ron Hett.

Picture Ten:
Mildred Parrill, ????, ???? & Brenda Johnson

Picture Eleven:
Nancy Hosmer, Robin/Dan Pladson, ????

Picture twelve:

I beleive that is Larry Hackman pointing his finger at the camera.
I will not guess on the rest.

Picture thirteen:

Sharon Zorn is the beautiful blond in front. She has not changed.
I dare not guess on the rest.

Picture Fourteen:
I dare not guess with this one either.

Picture Fifteen:
Harlan/Joyce Flaata, ????, Marie Iverson Staub& ????

[1][1] It occurred to me that some people reading this might not know what a vice grip is and what it is used for.It is a hand tool with adjustable gripper jaws that can be set to the dimension of the object you are grasping with a screw you turn in the handle.The handles of the tool are spring loaded and so when you set the jaws to the object size and grasp the object with the jaws, and lock the handles, by squeezing them together.The tool stays locked onto the object until the tool is released by pulling the spring loaded handles apart.I still remember how proud my dad was to get his first vice grip tool to use on the farm.Before the vice grip came along, there were a lot of knuckle busting tools like the adjustable wrench.

Nut

When referring to a nut in the above story, I was not referring to the guy that lives down the street from you. I was referring to the fastener that is usually applied to the end of a bolt to hold something in place. In this case it was used to hold the steering wheel securely to the steering shaft that is connected to a lot of other stuff that makes the front wheels of your vehicle turn when you turn the steering wheel.

Wally Garbe (Neola’s Husband) Passed away
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Wallace ‘Wally’ G. (George) Garbe

June 20, 1931 – March 17, 2020

Wallace “Wally” G. Garbe, 88, Minot, formerly of Kramer, ND, died Tuesday, March 17, 2020 in a Minot hospital. 

Wally was born June 20, 1931 at Bottineau, North Dakota, the son of Walter and Lillie (Thiel) Garbe.  He was raised and educated at Kramer and graduated from Kramer High School in 1949.   He attended Jamestown College for a year and then Minot State College, where he received a degree in Secondary Education.

Wally continued to assist with the operation of the family farm near Kramer and entered into active duty service with the U.S. Army in 1956.  He honorably served his country until 1958 when he was discharged and returned to North Dakota.  Wally taught in Kramer before he entered the military and in Bottineau after he was discharged.  He moved to Minot in 1960, where he became employed with First National Bank.

Wally was united in marriage to Neola Kofoid on November 26, 1969 in Minot.   They made their home in Minot, where he continued working at the bank as a loan officer until 1978.    He worked for a time at Northern Trophy and Engraving until retiring in 1996.  Wally moved to Edgewood Vista in May of 2018. He, along with his family, really appreciated the love and care he received from the staff there.

Wally was a longtime member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Minot, where he had served as an usher.  He was also a member of the Minot American Legion, Minot Gun Club, Minot Jaycees and Magic City Drift Busters Snowmobile Club. Throughout the years, he had enjoyed bowling, wood working, clock making, dancing, fishing, camping, hunting and trapping. 

He is survived by: his wife, Neola, Minot; sister, Linda (Allen) Bjornson, Minot; brothers-in-law, Maynard Kuebler (Inez Nathan), Minot & Jim Kofoid, Bottineau; nieces, Kristi (Jeb) Fredriksen, Denise (Ray) Kofoid Corbo & Michelle (Scott) Byrd; nephews, Shane (Tara) Bjornson & Oliver Kofoid; great nephews and nieces, Riley Bjornson, Vinson (Christina) Corbo, Alyssa Corbo, Alexis Corbo; Trevor and Maya Byrd; great great nephew, Malachi Corbo; godson, Ronald Gust.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Shirley Kuebler; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Emma Brudwick Kofoid. 

Service: Following the guidelines prescribed by Governor Burgum, there will be a Private Family Service by invitation in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.   ** A live stream of the service will be broadcast at (mtmsales.net/live)
A Public Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2020 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are preferred to St Mark’s

Gary’s Comments:
Folks: Those of you following this blog will for sure know Neola. The past 12 years she has contributed a vast amount of material for this blog from Papers and pictures she has saved over the years. She has been the backbone for its success. She has had many surprise interesting postings. It has been unreal. All these blogs are saved in our Dunseith Alumni Website too. Dunseith.net. Thank you, Neola.

We extend our condolences to you too Neola for the loss of Wally. He was a good man and will be dearly missed. Some of our readers had him for a teacher when he taught in Bottineau too in the mid 50’s.  

Condolences from Cheryl Kester Gaugler (’69): North Brunswick, NJ

I’d like to offer condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones. 

 Connie, I’m so sorry you lost your sister. Just wanted to say how nice it was to see you at our 50th year class reunion last summer and catch up on the years. 

 Cheryl (Kester) Gaugler 

Posting from Sharron Gottbreht Shen (’59): Watertown, ND

Thank you, Gary. It was amazing for me to see so many familiar faces; the Hoffman couple and the McKay gal from Auburn, WA. Seems to me that Lowell Lenard has a sister in Auburn? World not the same without Lowell.

Again, you’re amazing !

Sharron Gottbreht Shen

Social Distancing
Posted by Vickie Metcalf (’70):  Bottineau, ND

3/22/2020
I napped this afternoon with   the local
Bottineau Radio station   tuned in and on.

Sunny 101.9 prides it self on being on line with folks the world over who can tune in.

Sunny 101.9 – KBTO – FM 101.9 – Bottineau, ND – Listen Online

The disc jockey/radio people keep the country music flowing.
They make upbeat comments. Today lots of Goldie oldies

At 4:00 pm.

North Dakota Gov Burgum will address the state as he has been doing each day. Most of the people in Bottineau area listen also.

Governor Burgum has been a reassuring strong voice of reason and information who also says

North Dakotans are folks North Dakota Work Ethic .
They go to work don’t complain
do what needs to be done….no matter whether or how they feel).

After he sums up He   usually says  the People of North Dakota need to know …..Be North Dakota Smart!

Until Later,  V

1/20/2020
Posting from Lee Stickland (’64):  Dickinson, ND

Note: I missed posting this before. It’s been sitting in my box.  Sorry Lee

Good morning from LEE S in Dickinson.  I noticed that Karen Loeb is in an EVERGREEN facility, as am I here in the Queen City of the
Banana-Belt of ND at -12 degrees F and a wind chill of -24 degrees this am.

My Dad, Robert lived here for some years in the early part of the 2000s.  I got to know the staff quite well and some of those kind folks are
yet working.  One lady who works in dietary is over 87 but she asked me ‘not to tell ‘.

I will have been here 4 years on 3-22-20 and have the perfect room with the only tree with leaves, others have needles, on the property, right outside my window on second floor.  It is over 20’ tall so exceeds the top of my window.  I can hear the birds sing in the morning and the evening during the summertime.  During the winter, I can observe 11-22 birds try to orderly exchange places on a bird seed bell that is hung
about 5 feet above the ground, on a shepherd’s hook, right below and left of my sight.  I can see into town from my vantage point.

The administrator was the social worker when Dad moved in.

One of the nurses whom I had the pleasure of working with at Dickinson Nursing Center for 10.5 years, became the administrator @ EVERGREEN after I moved to Milwaukee.  She, Janet, was loved and respected by all for her kind but firm way of leadership.  Sadly, she succumbed to cancer in the early 2000s.

I am fine, getting better, I got off a bunch of opioids, COLD-TURKEY, they affected my heart rate and it dropped to 33 beats a minutes; not

1/2 enough for a guy my size.  Thankfully, when I went to the ER, the DR was a man I have known since he was 4 years old and lived in

Rock Lake.  He and my brother Dean began college in Grand Forks together.

Dean told Sheldon that he thought Sheldon should become a physician and he did.  Sheldon has been an ER Dr at Dickinson for over 34 years, now.  Each time I go in for something, he KINDLY asks me if I am ready to get rid of the pills that accumulated over the years;  from

1. when I broke my back at age 12 with recurring major dis-comforts ( even tho I played 5 years of football at Dunseith, beginning in 8th grade at 192 #s);

2. when Earl Hiatt was killed in the accident north of Rugby and I incurred 7 fractures to the jaw with resulting severe smarting and sometimes locking that does happen, but thankfully,contrary to what the DRs told my parents after I had lain in the bed, inert for 10 days, “Lee will never walk or talk again”, I do.

3. Add to that 5 surgeries to the right foot to correct a tight Achilles tendon that caused excess downward pressure on the ball of my foot.

I had diabetes for some time but was able to get rid of it by changing my diet and beginning to exercise, however; I developed neuropathy,
which is lack of good circulation and thus feeling to the lower part of the legs.  Thus, I was able to walk on rocks, anything during the summer, barefoot, not knowing that I was creating a hole in the bottom of my foot that was as round as a $.50 cent piece and would require 8 skin grafts to fill.

4. The Achilles needed to lengthened so three (3) insertions were made to puncture the tendon.

5. One of those punctures would not heal as I contracted MRSA, the flesh-eating disease in that wound while in the OR (operating room); this necessitated a second, later surgery to go in and cleanse the area and restitch and hope for the best, which thankfully did result.  I COULD HAVE LOST MY FOOT> it is not uncommon for those who are diabetic or even post-diabetic to lose lower limbs, due to decreased circulation and the disease.

I have led a MARVELOUS, WONDERFUL life.  I continue to write and to nominate folks for deserved recognition for their service(s) to
our pioneers who live in the care facilities.  I hope to hand-deliver one of those distinct efforts on the 21st when I got Bismarck to visit
the PAIN CENTER where I will be learning how to deal with and manage any pain/levels I have WITHOUT (/s) debilitate narcotics that
build up in your body over time and may end your valuable life, like it nearly did mine on November 5, 2019.

See Y’all @ the next Turn-Around.  Lee

A resource for parents/grandparents
Posted by Vickie Metcalf (’70):  Bottineau, ND

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-51997381
https://nursedottybooks.com/dave-the-dog-is-worried-about-coronavirus-2/

March 22, 2020
Gary and Dunseith Alumni friends,

As you know,
Among other interests, among my top 10 loves!

I love dogs all sorts and sizes
I love children, they are so wise and wonderful!
and, I love good books! they got to encourage hope!)

This picture book looks to be a good resource.

I am also sharing this site with Parents and Grandparents of my great nieces and nephews.
As an elementary counselor I often share books with various K-6 classrooms and individual children.

WHY?

Because after all these years my students current and former, are all my kids.

I found this today on one of my favorite sites… BBC.

I believe the author gives permission to download.

Hope each of you and yours is in a safe  place and  doing well .

KEEP THE FAITH.

Vickie L. Metcalfe.

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND

Janice Peach
November 24, 1950 – March 16, 2020

Janice Peach, age 69 of Belcourt, Born November 24, 1950, entered the gates of heaven March 16, 2020.  Janice was born in Belcourt to Carl and June St. Claire. She attended school at Belcourt and graduated from the Turtle Mountain Community College. She was united in marriage to George Davis and together they had three daughters; Georgianna Davis, Angela (Steve) Davis, Sheree (Cody) Delong.

Janice worked at the San Haven as a caretaker then moved on to work in Education for the remainder of her career. She worked as a classroom aide at TMCHS for 5 years; then moved on to be a teacher at the North Dunseith Headstart for 15 years. While working there, she met Francis Peach and they were united in marriage on June 11, 1994. Shortly after, they moved to Mandan where Janice went on to be a supervisor/teacher for the Standing Rock Headstart for another 15 years.

Janice’s favorite hobbies include spending time with family), baking cakes, playing cards, playing bingo (especially at the Lonesome Dove), traveling, planning events like birthdays and graduations. Last but not least, her most favorite, singing karaoke (her karaoke friends called her “Big Jan”). She will be greatly loved and missed by her family and friends.

Janice is survived by her husband Francis Peach. Her mother June St. Claire. Brothers: Ervin St. Claire of Arizona, Carl John St. Claire of Colorado, William “Billy” (Janice) St. Claire of Parshall. Sisters: Stella (Ron) Strickland, Claudette Pochant, Cheryl Adams, all of Belcourt. Her brother-in-law Kelly (Jessica) Peach of Belcourt, Sisters-in-law Diane Peach, Betty (Ronnie) Poitra, Sharon Gustafson, Debbie Indvik all of Belcourt. Her children: Georgianna Davis of Belcourt, Angela Davis of Mandan, Sheree Delong of New Orleans. Grandchildren: Dylan Belgarde of Bismarck, Amber (Reese) Belgarde of Belcourt, Jaicee Peach of Texas, Lee Laducer Jr of Belcourt, Peyton Laducer of Mandan, Chenoa Delong of Mandan, Cheyenne Delong of Washington. Great-grandchildren: Kash Belgarde, Kingston, Khloe, Navaeh, and Blair Vaulters, Adonis Davis. Numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and she was the “Fairy Godmother” of numerous special godchildren that she loved very much.

Janice is proceeded in death by her father Carl St. Claire. Brothers: David St. Claire, Willard St. Claire, and Clayton St. Claire Sr. Sisters: Carmelita Renault and Carol Levin. Mother and Father-in-law Norbert and Georgia Peach; Brother-in-law Jim Peach, Sister-in-law Robin (Josh) Langan. Grandsons: Andrew Delong and her “baby” Justice (Spanky) Davis.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  We will live stream her funeral at https://youtu.be/8KChzOPHbMc

==============================================
Blog (88) posted on Jun 16, 2010

Jim & Judy Olson (Former Teachers) finely located:
From Curt & Ann Rotto (Pastor): Fergus Falls, MN

Someone requested information on a former teacher, Jim Olson. We do correspond with Jim and Judy at Christmas time. Jim and Judy Olson, 311 Crescent Dr., Sheridan, Wyoming 82801; 307.672.2565. Thanks for the blog!

Curt and Ann Rotto

Thank you Curt & Ann, Early on when I first started putting class lists together and locating former teachers and folks, several folks were asking about Jim and Judy. At the time we exhausted all our leads unable to locate them. That was before you guys were onboard. I believe that was about the time I was putting the 67 class list together. I think LeaRae Parrill Espe is one of the folks that I was working with trying to locate Jim & Judy?

 I just got off the phone with Jim. He is very interested with what we are doing and has given me permission to post his email address and their contact info listed above. I have also added them to our daily distribution.

 Mr. Lykins, I believe Mr. Olson was your replacement? He started teaching in DHS in the fall of 1965, I believe as the head of the business department.?

Congratulations to Harvey and Alice Hoffman:
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

Congratulations to Harvey and Alice Hoffman on their 65 wedding
anniversary! While they were touring the museum, I had a chance to talk
with them and reminisce about the old days spent snowmobiling here with
my folks. They are both as sharp as a tack! Alice and Brenda were
looking at dates in the San Haven register of patients and I was amazed
how Alice and Harvey knew the exact dates when Alice and Brenda were
hospitalized and released. They flipped to the page and instantly
pointed to their names and the corresponding dates etc. Harvey and I got
to the subject or old cars (imagine that) and he gave me the
information, in detail, of Dale’s and Brenda’s cars that he found for
them while they were in high school. He remembered every little detail
that I remembered about those vehicles—did I say sharp as a tack?!!
Congratulations, Harvey and Alice! Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reply from Mel Kuhn (70):  St. John, ND

Gary,

For Allen Richards. The old Plymouth is a 52. I replaced the front part of the frame with the frame from a 90 Dodge Dakota and dropped a 318 in it. Also the Dodge rear end. I pretty well dethroned it also. I’ve got the interior to finish yet but I got sidelined by my next project. Which is a 31 3 window Plymouth Coupe.

Mel Kuhn

Reply from Phyllis McKay (65): Auburn, WA.

Gary and Bernadette,

Thank you for the pictures. I had a good time seeing you two again. I also enjoyed meeting your grand kids. They both are delightful, kind to each other, and they certainly livened up our dinner. That is one of the most wonderful things about children, they make you so happy to be around them. I bet Tyler will enjoy the laptop and Nevaeh will love her doll. It is awfully hard to be so far away from grandkids. For one thing, they seem to grow up so fast when you only get to see them once in awhile.

I have been enjoying all the pictures of the reunion. I was sad I wasn’t there to see everyone. But the notes and pictures help me feel like I am still in the loop.

Thanks again,

Phyllis

Phyllis, I know this was meant as a personal message, but I want to post it so folks and you too, know you are very much still in the loop. You will really be in the loop, as a group leader, once we get started planning our next cruise scheduled for Presidents day week in 2012. Gary

Correction:

From Florence Pladson Sime (62): Dunseith, ND

Gary that picture of the two women in the beauty shop is named wrong. That is Esther Murray and Susan Fasset not Connie Halvorson. Florence

Thank you Florence, This was another careless error on my part. I was with both Susan and Connie a lot last month, so I should be able to tell them apart. Gary

 PS – Folks, when you see these errors don’t be afraid to bring them to my attention. My feelings are absolutly not heart in doing so.

Esther Murray Fleming (65) & Susan Fassett Martin (65):
Repost of this article

Folks, this article and picture was folded over when I sent this picture several days ago. I did not realize there was an article attached as well. In all fairness to everyone mentioned, I am reposting to include the whole article.

Repost of this article

Folks, this article and picture was folded over when I sent this picture several days ago. I did not realize there was an article attached as well. In all fairness to everyone mentioned, I am reposting to include the whole article.

Willie & Maxine Hiatt family:

Folks, this post card was included with a bunch of pictures we just discovered in a suit case from my grandmother, Julia Stokes. She pasted away in the early 70’s. She lived Alvarado, MN. Willie and Maxine moved to Bottineau in 1955 when Barbara started high school. Norris Knutson bought their farm. Harvey graduated from Bottineau in 1961, so this must have been the Christmas of 1960. Willie/Maxine and their children Barbara, Harvey & LD all attended Ackworth. Doug had not yet started school when they moved to Bottineau.

Maxine celebrated her 90th birthday this month. Her children had a nice celebration for her that was held at the Bottineau Senior Center. We were there and were able to attend. It was a wonderful event and I saw so many folks that I had not seen for years. Maxine looks great and seems to be doing quite well. I had not seen LD for years. It was so nice seeing him again. Gary

        Allen Stokes

July 1948 – Nov 2019

Folks,
I plan on being in the Bottineau/Dunseith area from Monday May 11^th to Thursday May 14^th. Four days only.

We will be having a Funeral / Memorial Service for our brother Allen at the Metigoshe Lutheran Chapel on Wednesday May 13^th at 1:00 PM.  There will be a fellowship gathering following the service at the church. Looking forward to seeing you folks there.

My brother Darrel and I are the only surviving immediate family members of Allen. He was living in San Diego, divorced with no children. Darrel arranged to have his remains cremated with his ashes sent to Nero Funeral home in Bottineau. He will be buried in Ackworth next to our folks.

With Bernadette’s condition, I can’t be gone long. We have good help, but I still need to be here. With visits to Bremerton, WA and San Jose, CA to see our kids, I will be gone a total of 12 days. 4 of those are travel days too.

Gary

Dorothy (Strietzel) Fassett (DHS 1946) Passed away
Posting from Paula Fassett (’71):  Walhalla, ND
 

Hello Gary and All:

Once again, I have sad news to convey.  My Aunt Dorothy Fassett passed on March 9, 2020.

Dorothy (Strietzel) Fassett was born March 22, 1929, to Paul and Della Strietzel, on the family farm in the Turtle Mountains.

On June 5, 1947, she married Darrel Fassett in Rolla, ND.  Darrel and Dorothy had four daughters:  Pam, Pat, Kathy and Kim.  Darrel and Pam preceded Dorothy in death.

Dorothy was loved dearly and will be greatly missed.

Please keep her family in your prayers.

Gary Stokes’ Comments:

Darrel and Dorothy were good down to earth people. Always so friendly and nice. They were tops in my book.  They will be missed for sure.

We express our condolence to all of their family members too. 

Memories of Joann Smith Fuchs (’65)
From Doreen Larson Moran (BHS ’61): Spokane, WA

Gary – My mother, Edna Larson, lived in Oak Manor from 1996 until 2006 when she moved into St Andrews Long Term Care.  JoAnn would go to Oak Manor every week to do hair care for the residents.  Because my mom didn’t show for her usual 9 am one Friday, they checked her room and found that she was having a diabetic episode.  JoAnn was so good and generous with her time with all the ladies.  She wouldn’t charge, only said to pay what they could.  She told me she was giving back for all those years that people were so good to their family.  Doreen Larson Moran

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Blog (87) posted on Jun 14, 2010

Sister Stephanie:

Folks, when we were in Dale’s one day for dinner, we struck up a conversation with these two very nice beautiful ladies that were sitting at the table behind us. The one lady introduced herself as Sister Stephanie. In the course of our conversation she said she was a sister to Armand Mongeon. We had a nice chat. She was so friendly and nice. I can sure see where the Mongeon kids got the genes for their good looks. She said Armand periodically forwards our daily messages to her. Gary

Reply to Brenda Hoffman (68):
From Jean Nicholas Miller (66): Glendale, AZ.

Brenda, It was so nice to see the picture of your Mom and Dad, they look wonderful!! I remember them well. Your dad made some of the most awesome desserts at the San. I have a lot of good memories of living at the San. I had forgotten that Dad shuttled the kids to school then. We too lived in the children’s building after our apartment over the dining room. My Dad passed away in 1993 at the age of 78 and Mom in 1978 at the age of 65. Take care and greet your parents for me. Jean Nicholas Miller

Error correction:
Folks I mislabeled this picture with message 820. The gal in the center is Susie Knox Millang, Not K. Flynn Richard. That was a dumb careless mistake on my part. Thank you, folks, for pointing this out so I can make the correction. Gary

Minnie Knox Flynn (47), (Edna) Susie Knox millang (60) & Phyllis McKay (65)

Dunseith Alumni Reunion 5/22/2010

Dunseith Alumni Reunion 5/22/2010
Ginger LaRocque Poitra (65) and Esther Murray Fleming (65)

Dunseith Alumni Reunion 5/22/2010

Dunseith Alumni Reunion 5/22/2010
Sandy (Rick) Gottbreht & Bernadette Stokes

Dunseith Alumni Reunion 5/22/2010
Verena Gillis & Bernadette Stokes

Dunseith Alumni Reunion 5/22/2010
Sandy Gottbreht, Verena Gillis & Bernadette Stokes

Dunseith Alumni Reunion 5/22/2010
Very spacious and nicely decorated set up for nearly 300 folks

Dunseith Alumni Reunion 5/22/2010
Very spacious and nicely decorated set up for nearly 300 folks

Dunseith Alumni Reunion 5/22/2010

Steak Dinner at John/Margaret Bedard’s:
Gary & Bernadette Stokes. John Bedard barbequing steaks

Joann (Smith) Fuchs (DHS ’65) Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND Joann (Smith) Fuchs

Joann Fuchs, age 72 of Bottineau, died Thursday, February 27, 2020 at a Minot nursing home.  Her memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Grace Lutheran Brethren Church in Bottineau.

Ella Joann Fuchs, a daughter of William Jay and Eva (Vannewkirk) Smith, was born on March 13, 1947 in Bottineau.  She attended country school and Dunseith High School before graduating from Bottineau High School in 1965.  On October 14, 1967, she married  Leroy Fuchs at the Methodist Church in Bottineau.  They lived in Kramer until moving to Bottineau in 1991.  Through the years, she worked at the Bottineau Courant, the Kramer School, Dakota College at Bottineau, Bonnie’s and Flora’s Daycare and then Liebold Dentistry until she retired.

Joann was a member of Grace Lutheran Brethren Church in Bottineau where she was active in the ladies’ groups and the children’s ministry.  She enjoyed walking, her birthday club and her children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

She is survived by her husband, Leroy of Minot, 2 daughters, Debbi (Vinnie) Lovelace of Minot and Patti Jo (Nate) Hagerott of Minot; grandchildren, Alyssa (Mitch) Thompson of Bottineau, Kaitlyn Sivertson of Minot, Lexi Lovelace of Minot, Madison (Dylan) Hagerott of Stanley, ND and Ezra, Finli and Ian Hagerott of Minot; great grandchildren, Addison and Emily Thompson of Bottineau and Bryker Nyhusmoen of Stanley, ND; sisters, June Smith of Las Vegas, Erma (Morris) Berg of Lynden, WA, Joyce Helgeson of Bottineau and Janice (Donald) Fuchs of Albuquerque, NM; brother-in-law, James (Donna) Fuchs of Devils Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Elden and Jerry Smith and sister, Jennie Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to an organization of your choosing or to Dakota College At Bottineau, Nursing Program.

Joann was well cared for in her final days with Alzheimer’s by nurses. Nursing and caring for people always held a special place in her heart.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Gary Stokes’ Comments

Joann was in our DHS class of ’65. She attended her first two years of HS in Dunseith before transferring to Bottineau. Very recently I asked my sister-in-law, Debby Stokes, if she had heard the latest with Joann’s condition, because I had not heard anything about her for a long time.

 I was saddened to hear of Joann’s Passing. I knew she was battling Alzheimer’s. She stuck in there a long time battling this disease. After having contracted this disease, she attended several of our School gatherings, reunions, etc.

 For a number of years, the Smith Family lived west of Salem Church, Just off of highway #43. During those years, Joann and her siblings attended Church and Sunday School at Salem. Joann also attended Confirmation, with me, at Nordland church. My dad and I would stop and pick her up every Saturday.

 The Smith family children attended Dunseith after they moved to Foot hills in the early 60’s

 We extend our Condolences to all of Joann’s family with her passing.  

Obituary Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND Donna Wenstad | 1958 – 2020

 Donna Wenstad

July 01, 1958 – February 28, 2020

Donna Wenstad, age 61 of Dunseith, died Friday, February 28, 2020 at her home in Dunseith.

Donna Wenstad was a daughter of Oscar and Elberta (Andersen) Wenstad.  She was from a family of 7 siblings, Arlan, Donald, Connie, Debbie, Pamela and Curtis.  She attended school in Dunseith and after graduation, she entered the US Army.  She served as an MP at Fort Hood, TX before receiving her honorable discharge on July 7, 1977.  She returned to North Dakota and worked as a police officer for Rolette County.  She later returned to Texas and worked at a nuclear plant in Palacios, TX.  As her health failed, she moved to Arizona.  She later returned to North Dakota.  As her health failed, she lived with her friend Sandra Belgarde in Dunseith. Thank you, Sandra, for your care, and to your family.

 Donna had a fun-loving spirit.  She will be remembered for her love of animals and looking out for their welfare.  She was loved and will be missed.

 Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Condolences to the Oscar and Elberta Wenstad Family
From Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Bottineau, ND

March 6,2020

Gary , Dunseith Alumni friends,  and  Oscar and Elberta Wenstad Family,

I offer sincere sympathy on the passing of Donna.

I remember classes with Donna s older sisters;  Connie class of 1969 and Bobbi,

A.K.A.  Barbara was one of the class of 1970.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Condolences to the Oscar and Elberta Wenstad Family
From Lynn Halvorson Otto (75):  Boonton, NJ

My sincere condolences to Donna Wenstad’s family.  She and I rode the bus from elementary school through high school together and swam in the Willow creek every summer!  Be at peace now and God rest your soul.

Lynn Halvorson Otto

Gilbert “Shawn” LaVallie (DHS ’88) Obituary
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70):  Bottineau, ND

March 5,2020

Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

I wish to extend sympathy to the family of Shawn Lavallie.

I worked with his wonderful mother,  Beverly (Azure) Lavallie  at Dunseith Elementary School .

( I also recall Many   Lavallie uncles were proud Veterans).

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Gilbert “Shawn” LaVallie

July 12, 1970 – March 05, 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Gilbert “Shawn” LaVallie, loving son, brother, father, and uncle. Shawn entered eternal life on March 5, 2020, at the age of 49.

Shawn was born July 12,1970, in Belcourt, to Gilbert and Beverly (Azure) LaVallie. He was raised in Dunseith and attended school in Dunseith graduating in 1988. He attended college at NDSU-Bottineau and then entered the workforce.

Shawn enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children who were his pride and joy. He was a very private man with a quick wit; was a font of random facts; and was a loyal and fierce protector of his family. His death has left a huge hole in our small family that will never be filled. Until we meet again, Shawn.

He is survived by his mother, Beverly LaVallie, of Dunseith; his children, Dawn LaVallie of Rolette, Shawn LaVallie of Minot, and Shanice and Landon LaVallie of Dunseith; a step-daughter, Aleana Peltier of Dunseith; his sister, Lori (Brad) Foss of Washburn; his brother, Corey (Julie) LaVallie of Belcourt; nieces, Kristen Foss of Bismarck and Jillian LaVallie of Belcourt; and nephews, Corey John and Connor LaVallie of Belcourt.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert LaVallie, Sr., and his grandparents, John and Cecelia LaVallie and Frank and Agnes Azure.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 10:00 AM at St Anthony’s Catholic Church of rural Dunseith. Father Jim Mulligan presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.

https://prod12.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/gilbert-shawn-lavallie?fh_id=14585

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Blog (86) posted on Jun 13, 2010

Folks, I am kind of rushed today with our friends from Bremerton visiting. I will post more reunion pictures tomorrow. Gary

Touching story – PI donations for the needy:

Folks, I try to keep the postings in the daily blogs to a minimum for the Dunseith PI donations given for the PI needy. This one is an exception though. I have a page listed in our Dunseith Alumni Web sight for the PI needy. Last month when we were back in Dunseith a very generous Dunseith couple gave us a donation to be used however we saw fit for the PI needy. I am sharing with you my reply to this couple for how we used their money. We raised $480 with the raffle we had at the reunion for the PI needy. Bernadette has that money ear marked for the elderly in need. Gary

Hello (Dunseith couple),

 When we got home, we were informed that the wife of the Hayag family that lives across the street from our garage had miscarried at 7 months. This would have been child number seven. This is the same family we have chosen for Brenda Hoffman’s donations. She miscarried the same morning we got back. We arrived late on Wednesday the 9th. She miscarried at home, but with complications had to be hospitalized for a D & C. In this country no medical attention is rendered until the funds are available. She is/was placed on a bed in the back of the hospital with no treatment until the funds are available. If funds do not become available and she gets infection, in all likely hood, she’d died right there in the hospital with no medical attention. This happens everyday in this country. He husband canvassed the area soliciting for funds with virtually no success. Because of who we are and all the solicitations we get hit up for, we are normally the last resort. Even at that, we can not possibly help all. We have to draw the line. When her husband came to us last night he said he needed 5,000 peso’s to cover the D & C and all hospital expenses. That’s about $108.00 with the current exchange rate of P46.3 to the dollar. With that all said and done, we decided to use your hundred dollar donation to cover her medical expenses. We siphoned a little from the other donations to cover their remaining $8.00. He walked out of our office last night with P5,000, in hand, headed for the hospital. Thanks to you folks, Mrs. Hayag is getting the medical attention needed. We will keep you posted. We were also told that her tubes have to be tied too, so she will not be having anymore babies.

 We see and hear of these situations very often. We have learned to say no without feeling guilty. We will do our part, but we realize there is no way in the world that we can help all and these folks realize that.

 Thank you (Dunseith couple),

 Gary
Alice and Harvey Hoffman are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary today.Posting from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

Wedding Photo June 14, 1945

They met on a blind date in Bismarck in December 1944 and were married the following June 14, 1945. The day they met Alice was a clerical employee at the State Capital in Bismarck and Sargent Harvey Hoffman was on leave from the army. Following Harvey’s release from the army in September 1945, they lived in Bismarck, moved briefly to McClusky, ND (Harvey was from McClusky and Alice from Denhoff), returned to Bismarck and then on to Lodi, California.

It was in California that doctors discovered both Alice and Brenda (born in 1950) had tuberculosis. The California doctors strongly suggested Alice and Brenda return to ND for treatment (each state provided free treatment for residents – Alice and Harvey were considered residents of ND). Unfortunately, San Haven, the North Dakota Tuberculosis Sanatorium, was filled to capacity. The San Haven Superintendent, Dr. George Loeb, promised both Alice and Brenda beds if they could return to San Haven by a specific date – just a few days away. Harvey hired a driver and Alice, Brenda, Dale (born in 1946) and the hired driver, drove night and day from California (including over the mountains in winter) to North Dakota to meet that deadline. Brenda and Alice were admitted on March 4, 1950 (Alice’s bed was the fifth in a room designed for four patients).

Brenda was released in 1952 and Alice in 1953. During their hospitalization, Harvey worked in the hospital kitchens and Dale lived with his grandparents in McClusky. Dale joined the family when Alice was released in 1953. Their first home as a family at San Haven was in the Children’s Building.

Other families living in the building at that time included the Jay Vanorney, Charlene and Sharon Pearson, Carol Jasper, John and Alan Boguslowski and Jeff Olson families. Most of the families shared one of the two central bathrooms on each floor and the one telephone in the hallway. The Children’s Building was also the school bus stop. San Haven school children were bused by Herc Nicholas (father of Jennie and step-father of Ellen G) to and from school in Dunseith including a trip home for lunch.

Cindy, Alice and Harvey’s third child, was born in 1959 after they had moved to the cottage next to the hospital.

Harvey took over the San Haven bakery in the mid-1950s and Alice started her work life babysitting Chuck and Mona Johnson’s boys (Brian, Craig and Kevin), moved to Occupational Therapy with Barbara Schaalt (sp?) and then accepted her position of more than 20 years, Executive Housekeeper. Alice and Harvey retired from San Haven in the early 1980s, wintered in Truth or Consequences, NM for years and maintained a summer home in Rugby where they now live. Alice is 84 and Harvey will be 87 in October. Both are healthy, active and continue to enjoy their retirement

April 2008:
Alice & Harvey Hoffman

Phyllis McKay (65):

Folks, we called Phyllis and she was able to join us at the at the “Old Country Buffet” in Federal Way, last Sunday the 6th, when we had our grandkids with us for dinner. She lives in Auburn, just a short distance away. Phyllis was in ND the day of our reunion too. Her Granddaughter, who lives in the Fargo area, graduated the same day as our reunion, so she was unable to attend. She would have dearly loved to have attended, but she could not be two places at the same time. These are several pictures we took with Phyllis. Phyllis is a 4th grade teacher and loves kids. Gary

Phyllis McKay & Gary Stokes


Phyllis McKay and Bernadette Stokes


Phyllis McKay with our two Grandkids, Tyler 12 & Neveah 5.

Donna Wenstad (DHS 1975) | 1958 – 2020 | Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

July 01, 1958 – February 28, 2020

Donna Wenstad, age 61 of Dunseith, died Friday, February 28, 2020 at her home in Dunseith.

Gary’s Comment. I was saddened to hear this new of Donna’s passing. For a period of time she was living in Arizona. Last I chatted with her she was living in Dunseith. If memory serves me right, later I think she was living on the Former Willow Lake School Grounds south of Willow Lake, in the Turtle Mountains, north of Dunseith. Donna’s Parents were Oscar and Alberta Wenstad. Their Farm was located 3 miles south of highway 43 on the Willow Lake road. In my grade school days, we visited them often. We extend our condolence to all of Donna’s family with her passing.

Wondrasek photography advertisement
Reply from our Website:  http://dunseith.net/ Hi,

    I found a vernco ice-cream scoop. It is in its original Package.  Appears to be around mid-70s. 

      On the back of the scoop reads: ” A SCOOP FULL OF THANKS FROM WONDERSEK PHOTOGRAPHY “

with phone # and location, which is Bottineau, North Dakota. 

     Could you please give me any information on their history?

        Thanks. 

1. POWERS 

Gary’s Comment Folks, I have not listed the V. Powers email address. For those of you wishing to reply to them, I will gladly forward your messages to them. I also sent them a photo copy of Wondrasek family history from the 1984 Bottineau Centennial book.

Fury 2020 Boxings
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND

February 23, 2020

Hello Gary and Dunseith Alumni friends,

My keyboard is wacky.  Some keys refuse to work. I apologize for the lack of punctuation etc.

Who is Tyson Fury?

https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/51602615

Oh, for the days when dads listened to radio!
Times long before TV and cell phones entered family living rooms.

In our home nestled amongst trees and hills, discussions usually followed hearing the boxing matches
..my Dad, his brothers,  and family friends, most often, Art,  & Emil Morin .

When Mick Morris  ( a long-lost cousin) was introduced to Art Seim at Dunseith nursing home….
…..Arts first question to Mick was in regard to boxing.

Do you box?

Then, Art said ….All  the Metcalfe boys grew up with the knowledge   and appreciation for   the sport of boxing.
He told Mick, they learned from …Mr. Metcalfe ( their dad).

I was told by my dad that:  He and his elder brothers, along with their sister Leona, were taught rules by their father,
which they were expected to follow and honor William Metcalfe,  if you choose to fight siblings ….fight fair…….

Dad told me, many times whenever there was a disagreement among his siblings at Rabbit City Lake,
When they made the choice to physically fight….
They had to follow their fathers’ rule, put on boxing gloves and fight FAIR.

Dad said his sister Leona boxed well as her brothers.
In my aunts own N. Seattle dining room, I recall, the two pair of boxing gloves hanging on the wall
overlooking the pool table which would also serve as a formal dining table at family gatherings.
She taught her own sons the art and skill of boxing.

Myself? I never got into boxing.
This morning whilst reading BBC I fondly revisited sweet memories of the radio in our home.

Until Later,
Vickie L. Metcalfe

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Blog (85) posted on Jun 12, 2010

Folks,
I would dearly love to be able to attend Elwood’s Birthday celebration, but unfortunately, we are unable to attend. I congratulated him though, when we had dinner with them at Dale’s last month. Both Elwood and Eleanor look so nice. They for sure do not show their ages. They are like family to us.

The Country School reunion is being held the same day as Elwood’s Celebration of which many of you are signed up to attend. Looking at the time lines you can attend both. The Country School Reunion is being held at the Twin Oaks at the Lake. Registration & social time is until 6:30 PM with the Dinner being served from 6:30 to 8:00. I am very sure that Orvin Hagen will be attending both celebrations. He and the Fauske’s have remained good friends over the years.

Elwood, you are a Pillar & Icon to the Dunseith community and the whole area from the Turtle mountains to Bottineau and beyond. You have done so much for so many over the years. You were always there for my folks and our family in our growing up days, especially in the latter years when you farmed our home place. Dad spoke highly of and had the utmost respect for you. In his eyes you were the best farmer to have ever been on this universe. You had farm land all the way from your place north of us to the prairie. I remember well when you worked for the Rolette county Soil Conservation running their Cat. First it was a D-7, then they upgraded you to the D-8. You did a whole lot of brushing for us and a whole lot of others in the years that you worked for them. You are a saint in our eyes. Enjoy your celebration with family and friends of which you are most deserving of. It couldn’t be for a nicer kind hearted guy and Stubby too. We can not forget her. Gary

PS – I will make a special attempt to attend your Centennial in 10 years. Just for you I’d make the 9,000-mile journey across the Pacific from the Philippines to Bottineau. You can hold me to my word with this one.

Fauske family in about 1960:
Back: Carrole, Russell, Connie
Front: Eleanor, Arlinda, Beth, Brian & Elwood

Fauske family – November 2008:
L to R: Carrole, Brian, Connie, Eleanor, Elwood, Beth, Russell & Arlinda


Folks,

Having mentioned Orvin Hagen above, I thought I’d share this with you. We found this in a suit case full of pictures from my Grandma Julia Stokes that had been left in the barn up on the farm when dad sold it to Larry and Mona Marchus in 1996. Larry discovered this suit case several months ago and left it at Bud & Debby’s. There were some other interesting pictures in that suit case too that I will share with you in days to come.

Orvin was the 4-H leader of the Mountaineer’s for well over 20 years. I think closer to 30 would be more accurate. He was a great leader and family friend too.

Gary

Question for Mel Kuhn:
From Allen Richard (65): Midland, MI

To Mel–

Is that a ’51 or ’52? We had a dark blue ’51 coupe like that — the Cranbrook package. Dad traded in ’59 and I think Albert(?) Bedard bought it.

Allen
Reunion & Scotland Pictures:
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Geri Metcalfe Munro (59), Sharon Zorn Gerdes (62) & Gary Stokes (65)


Travis Metcalfe (76) and Chuck & Geri Metcalfe (59) Munro


Patti Metcalfe Woods (67) & Travis Metcalfe (76)

Bernard Morin (76) & Travis Metcalfe (76)

Geri Metcalfe Munro (59) and Vickie Metcalfe (70)
at Luss, Loch Lomond. Scotland

Chuck and Geri Metcalfe Munro on the boat “Lady of the Lake”. Sir Walter Scott, loch Lomond, Scotland

Gary, We returned from Scotland one night, the next morning I rang up Larry Metcalfe. He invited Geri and I to visit with them. We went at 9:30 a.m. and left at noon. I then drove home to Bottineau and got home to Bottineau about 5:15. Here are photos I am sharing.

Vickie

Geri Metcalfe Munro (59), Larry Metcalfe (59) & Vickie Metcalfe (70)


Lise Rousseau Metcalfe (64)

Folks,
Sorry for the delay getting these blogs posted. I have been kind of busy and just haven’t gotten them issued. The older we get the faster time flies by too.
Gary

Condolences to Carol Pritchard Corzine (67) for the loss of her husband Don.
From Brenda Hoffman (’68):  Taylors, SC

Dear Gary,

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, Carol. May loving memories sustain you and your family during this difficult time.

Brenda Hoffman class of 1968

Beverly Handeland Hamnes 90^th birthday Celebration (DHS ‘1948)
Belated Happy birthday Bev.

Gary’s Comments.
I told Deb Knudson Busta that I would post this for her mother, but I’m late with my postings. So sorry about that Deb. From your FB postings I can tell you had a wonderful celebration for your Mother’s 90^th.

 Bev and her husband Mel were on several Dunseith cruises, Alaska and the Caribbean,  with us. We had some nice chats too. Lovely couple. So friendly and nice. Mel owned the New Holland machinery dealership in Bottineau for a number of years too.

 Jenny Handeland was Bev’s mother. They lived a short distance north of Kelvin. In my childhood days, Jenny, a lovely woman, was very well known throughout the whole area. Everyone knew Jenny.  

Clayton Lider (DHS ‘1954) Passing
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Clayton Lider, age 84 of Bottineau, died Friday at a Bottineau hospital.  His funeral will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 10:30 am at the Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Burial will be at the Oak Creek Cemetery in Bottineau.

 Clayton LeRoy Lider, a son of Carl and Gladys (Loken) Lider, was born on March 16, 1935 at Rock Lake, ND.  He attended school in Rock Lake and graduated from Dunseith High School in 1954.  He then attended Wahpeton School of Science.  On June 22, 1958, he married his classmate Arliss Halvorson.  He worked at Hosmer’s Dry Goods Store in Dunseith, John’s Standard Station for his uncle, John Wurgler, before working for North Central Electric in Bottineau for 40 years before retiring in 1997.  They moved to Lake Metigoshe. Eleven years later they moved a half mile east of Bottineau, where he spent many hours working in his woodshop making eagles, wall chime clocks and many other projects for family and friends.  They later moved into Bottineau where they have resided since.

Clayton was a Boy Scout and a member of his school choir where he sang tenor.  He was active in the Bottineau Jaycees and the Eagles Club where he served as president for a time.  He was also active in First Lutheran Men’s Organization and helped with the Lutefisk Supper for several years.

He is survived by his wife Arliss of Bottineau; sons, Jeff Lider of Hatton, Greg (Peggy) Lider of Bottineau and Donavon (Kelli) Lider of Mohall; 7 grandchildren, Jayson (Sarah) Lider of Tea, SD; Shane (Heather) Lider of Minot,  ND, Alexander (Ashley Jorgensen) Lider of West Fargo, ND, Heather (Lucas) Underdahl of Makoti, ND, Christopher (Allison) Lider of Hillsboro, ND, Heidi (Ross Tordsen) Lider of Fargo, ND and Carleigh Lider of Denver, CO; seven great grandchildren, Braden, Kote, Abby, Lane, Nadia, Maggie and Lena; 2 sisters, Georgine Buck of Los Angeles and Caroleen Williams of Minot, ND; brother-in-law, Curt (Denise) Halvorson of Dunseith, ND, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Douglas Lider, daughter-in-law, Gayle Lider, parents-in-law Clifford and Alma Halvorson, sister, Eileen Todd, brothers, Darold and Vondell Lider; brothers-in-law, Jim Todd, Danny Buck and Don Williams and nephews, Rodney Todd and Boyd Williams.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Gary’s Comment
We extend our condolence to Arliss and all of Clayton’s family with his passing.

Alfred and Rebecca Cote and Jim Metcalfe Jr.
Question from Margaret Metcalfe Leonard Casavant (’65):  

Folks,
Many of you remember Alfred and Rebecca Cote and of course the Metcalfe’s too . I want to share part of personal message I received from Margaret Metcalfe with my reply, that I think will be of interest to many of you.

Hi Gary,

Just returned from a vacation in AZ.  Spent a remarkable time with my brother Jim and his wife, Yoli. We talked at length about the “olden days” and our growing up years with family and neighbors.

He also reminisced about Boeing and Seattle.  He had an excellent friend, Leo Brillon (sp)? who was related to Alfred and Rebecca Cote.  I remember that you have told about your friendship with their son, Urbane Cote.  Just wondering if by chance you had an opportunity to meet Leo and his wife.  Jim worked with him for many years and they visited many times after they retired from Boeing, sadly, Leo has passed away.

God bless you and yours,

Margaret

Gary’s Reply Hello Margaret,

Yes, I knew Leo Brillion.  I know his brother Les and his wife Debbie very well too. We are very close friends. Their mother, Liz was a sister to Loretta (Laureus) Cote.  Laureus was a brother to Fern Berube.  Of course, you know Laureus and Fern’s parents were Alfred and Rebecca Cote. That’s Leo and Les Brillion’s connection to the Cote’s. The story doesn’t end there. Now my connections to the Loretta Cote and Liz Billion. Loretta and Liz’s brother’s wife Mary, was a very close friend to my mother and my Grandparents in her growing up days in Walhalla. Mary actually lived with my Grandparents for a number of years too. With our summer visits to Walhalla to visit My mother’s sister-in-law and our cousins, we’d always stop by Mary’s farm to see her and her family too. How I met the Cote’s and Brillion’s in Bremerton. On the very first day of my employment at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, February 1967, the very first guy I met in my assigned area was Laureus Cote. He asked me where I was from. When I said ND, he asked me what town. I told him Bottineau thinking he’d be more familiar with Bottineau than Dunseith. Hearing that, he told me he was from Willow City. Surprised us both to discover we were both from Dunseith. We had never heard of each other. Of course, I Knew Fern and who his parents were too. When he told Loretta he had met me, she said “I know very well who he is”. Laureus had the phone number of my uncle and aunt where I was staying. Loretta immediately called me. From that moment on Laureus and Loretta took me in and treated me as one of their family. A relationship that lasted the rest of their lives. I was included with all of their family gatherings, etc.  Bernadette too after she came into the picture. They were wonderful people. Mary Ermer, Leo and Les’s aunt, recently passed away too. She was living in a Nursing home near her daughter Betty in Grand Forks.  She was in her 90’s. My grandparents owned and operated a bakery in Walhalla. They hired my dad as a baker. He fell in love with the owner’s daughter and the rest is history. They were married in June 1941. I’m a war baby, the first born after my dad returned from WWII, Pacific theater. Take care, Gary

Don Corzine (Carol Pritchard ’67 Husband) Passed 

Don Corzine, February 10, 1947-February 2, 2020

Don Corzine, 72, passed away February 2, 2020 in Denver City. Memorial services will be held at First Baptist Church in Denver City on Saturday, February 8 at 10:00 a.m.

Donald Lewis Corzine was born February 10, 1947 in Haskell, Texas to J.F (Jeff) and Mabel Randolph Corzine. He graduated from Seagraves High School and served in the U.S. Air Force. He married Carol Pritchard in 1969. He served as a reserve deputy for the Terry County Sheriff’s Dept., then in 1983 became a deputy for the Yoakum County Sheriff’s Dept. before serving four terms as Yoakum County Sheriff from 2001-2016.

He is preceded in death by a daughter, Jana Atkins; his parents; an infant brother, Ronald Raymond Corzine; and a sister, Dolly Belknap. He is survived by his wife, Carol; a daughter, Judy Faught and husband Shane, of Brownfield; a son, Derek Corzine and wife Ydien, of Amarillo; and two grandchildren, Breck Lindsey and husband Treg, of Marysville, California and Conner Faught, of Brownwood.

Gary’s comments

We extend our condolences to Carol and all of her family with the passing of her husband Don. I heard a lot of good things about Don too. I know he was a well-respected guy.

The Pritchard’s lived one mile south of us in the Ackworth community of the Turtle Mountains 16 miles NW of Dunseith, ND.

FROZEN FINGERS FESTIVAL

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: neola@min.midco.net Minot, ND

Gary,

This is the poster for Frozen Fingers Festival in Minot.  Dick and Brenda perform at this festival every year\

Neola

Note: Please attachment.

Deerheart Lodge

Pictures and Posting from Kari Keyes: Minot, ND

Note: Kari Keyes discovered us on our Dunseith Alumni Website. This is her reply.

Hi Gary…my name is Kari Keyes.I was going through an old album of my grandmother Bella Benthagen and found some pictures she took at “Dearhart Lodge” in 1951 while on a site seeing trip with her brother who was from Souris ND. There were just two pictures, but they peeked my curiosity.  What a neat place! My mother couldn’t recall ever hearing of this mystery place. They were taken along with a picture of the sanitarium of San Haven. I posted them in a FB page called Minoter’s asking if anyone knew of this place. Low & behold I had a response correcting the spelling to Deerheart Lodge in Rolette county.  So, after digging around in Google I found your Dunseith blog site and the entry about the history of the lodge. What a forgotten treasure.  One of the comments requested for anyone who had pictures to post them. I would be glad to share these with you.

Kari Keyes Reply to Gary

Hi Gary

I live in Minot, however I grew up in Westhope ND and we moved to Minot when I was in 3rd grade. My grandmother was married to Art O Benthagen and they owned the grocery store in Westhope way back in the day, and then after that closed my grandfather was the city auditor for some time. My Grandmother was originally a Fairweather and her family had established a homestead in Souris- all farmers. Her full name is Isabelle Fairweather and the brother that was on the drive with her that day was Edward Fairweather, she had another brother named Bill. My mother Lonnie had a second cousin & his name was Floyd Fairweather- you may be more familiar with his name as he was a professor here at Minot State and quite the artist.

We have had a fun time going over the pictures and getting to know the history of Deerheart Lodge. I understand there isn’t much left of the “resort” from what Face Book folks have said, but we still plan on heading up that way this summer to trace the steps of her family that day.

If you are on FaceBook I can tag you on the post in the Minoters Group page- you may find their comments about the post interesting and one other lady found a picture of a family member leaning on wall at Deerheart Lodge.

My regards,

Kari Keyes

My condolences to The Denise Peltier family. From Vickie Hiatt LaFontaine (’73): lafvickie@yahoo.com Grafton, ND

Kaye Lystad Kirk’s (BHS Class of 1981) husband (BHS Class of 1982).
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe:  Minot, ND

Douglas John Kirk

https://www.hansonrunsvold.com/obituaries/Douglas-Kirk-4/

Folks,

Douglas’ wife, Kaye Lystad Kirk’s parents were Willie and Joyce Lystad. Willie owned and operated the Westland Gas station in Bottineau for many years. Most of old timers remember Willie Lystad and the Westland Gas Station in Bottineau.

A few years back Kaye messaged me and ask if she could be on our distribution. With her vast historical and Genealogy knowledge, she has been an active participant of this blog too . She reads each and everyone of these blogs, often times with personal comments to me and comments for posting too.

Kaye, we are so saddened to hear of the sudden passing of your husband Douglas. Reading his obituary, he had a great career with great accomplishments. You can be very proud of him. We know you will miss him dearly too. Our condolences are with you with his passing too.

Gary

Linda Marie LaRocque Poitra (DHS ’68) Obituary Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND

Feb 17, 1950 – JAN 02, 2020 https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/linda-poitra

Ackworth Cemetery Donations
Posted by Glenda and Russel Fauske (64):  Dunseith, ND

==============================================
Blog (85) posted on Jun 12, 2010 Hannah Loeb is not well: 

Hannah Lobe is not well

Message from Karen Loeb Mhyre (65): Bellevue, WA

 Hi Gary,

 Sadly, I am writing to tell you that my mom is sick. She had been having abdominal pain since the later part of April. I returned home the 19th of May after a stay with our daughter in Ann Arbor. we saw the surgeon on 5/21 and she had a bunch of tests. She had surgery on June 2nd & is still recovering @ Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland. She has a bad diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the bowel with +. nodes and spread throughout the abdomen. It is a stage IV cancer. She has been followed closely by the cancer center with extensive lab work every 6 months, and had a normal workup December 9, 2009. she had a colonoscopy three years ago. She is 89 years young and has lived a full and wonderful life. She has raised 5 great children and now we will take good care of her. Up until June 1st, she was reading, playing scrabble or pinochle. She is a fighter and we hope for some time to be together, probably 6 months to a year. She is pretty mad about the whole thing as you can imagine! Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

We hope to have her home by early next week.

Thanks again for all of your wonderful communications!! Mom’s inner strength from her North Dakota days will serve her well as we make this journey.

 Take care,
Karen Mhyre (daughter of Hannah Loeb)

 Reply from Ron Longie (65): Yakima WA

Gary, It looks like I missed a terrific time, and nice to see pictures from the reunion. I am going to Dunseith the first week of July to see old friends, I will be going back with my kid brother Donnie he hasn’t been back in 30 years so it’s time for a trip, as for me all I need is a reason. I am really looking forward to this trip it should be a blast.

Ron

Vickie Metcalfe & Chuck/Geri Metcalfe Munro’s trip to Scotland:
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

 Gary, Chuck and Geri Munro and I returned yesterday evening to the USA. Both the very first day and the very last day of our journey were hectic stress. Ah, in-between was pure magic. More sunshiny days than i could have ever wished for or imagined. Flying into Glasgow, we spent the first two days on the at Luss on Loch Lomond, the Fargo First Presbyterians were part of the church service celebrating it’s 1,500 year anniversary. (we missed Prince Charles by 3 days) From Loch Lomond and the River Clyde, traveling by bus, we stayed at a bed and breakfast on the Isle of Mull, where our great Grandmother, Jean (Mclean) Metcalfe’s clan hailed from. Ferrying to the Isle of Iona we mingled with people from various parts of the world who were also making pilgrimages. On that isle, St. Columbe introduced Christianity to the Druids, Picts and Celts. We found it to be a truly special spiritual place. Through the busy days, often one track trails led us to many castles, some in ruins, others very opulent. We stayed at Knock Castle. We saw an old cathedral where it is believed one of the oldest Yew tree survives in a kirk yard, just a mere 5,000 years old. We photographed Highland Coooo’s……. Venturing down history trails to that last battle field. We listened to bagpipes, learned of Culodian and the Jacobites, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Sir William Wallace, Rob Roy MacGregor, and Robert the Bruce etc.. Throughout the highlands, among castle ruins, cottages and rock fences we saw gentle long woolly long tailed sheep who patiently wait til late July to be sheared. We learned there are over 7 million sheep in Scotland, the wool market throughout the world is dipping downward. Central Scotland has its’ own silicon valley as the number one export is technology ………..followed by #2 export ….whisky. While Chuck and Geri visited a monastery existing for centuries. I went off to find the ever reclusive,Nessy who has also existed for centuries……. I spent two hours exploring the sometimes 560 foot deep Loch Ness. While aboard,I met a teacher on school holiday, from Wales and her daughter. Francesca, the daughter, was wearing a Cooooo hat and preferred to be called Mosey the Coooo. We made exchanges about the school systems in each country and I believe, “We are more alike and have more in common than we have differences”. The last three days of our journey found us crossing the Firth of Forth to Edinburgh. By this time I was weary of castles. Walking through the rain, we searched to find the grave of Greyfriars Bobby, walked a bit of the royal mile and listened in the magnificent acoustics of St. Giles Cathdral, finally hoppong a double decker city bus where we got a birds eye view for a couple hours. Food each day began with a full Scottish breakfast. Bacon, eggs, sausage, black sausage, grilled tomatoes, toast, Sottish jams,…..or cold cereal, ham, cheese, or…..kipper, or salmon. Often the fish and chips were favored for dinner. Supper, we had choices of venison, mussels, roast beef, chicken, haggis, cullen skink, carrot soup. In between was tea time…… Scottish food is fantastic!!! Finding a wealth of treasures to be brought home; Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Mclean of Lochbuie tartan ties for the Metcalfe men. Golf hats and tees from St. Andrew’s. Linens, wool, and books for the women and wee children. Yes. We three agreed; the history, culture, scenery and food rate across the board high marks. The people of Scotland made the magic as they were welcoming, warm friendly to animals and people, honorable, and containing healthy doses of vibrant humor and wit. I came home to my Lochbuie. Whom, thank goodness is not purring having spent the last 2 weeks with Cyndy’s family and her cats. But… me thinks, I find Buie has developed a fine taste for people food. Acht! Another-r- r tomorrow to be filled with dog walking, picking ticks and r-r-reminiscing. Vickie

Pictures taken at the Rolette County Museum in St. John:

Folks, these are a few pictures that we took when we visited the St. John Museum on Friday, May 21st.

Thank you, Dick Johnson and Mel Kuhn, for your hospitality, allowing us to make this tour possible of this great facility of exhibits. I was impressed with all that you have.

Gary

Gary Stokes & Art Rude
 

Angela Berube Malget, Connie Halvorson Kester & Gary Stokes

Gary Stokes, Harvey Hoffman, Dave (Husband – Brenda Hoffman),
Alice Hoffman, Brenda Hoffman (68) & Esther Murray Fleming

Greg Malget, Angela Berube Malget (65),
Connie Halvorson Kester (64) & Gary Stokes

Susan Fassett Martin (65), Dick Johnson (68) & Paula Fassett (71)

Esther Murray Fleming (65)
 

 Angela (Berube) & Greg Malget

 Esther Murray Fleming (65) & Connie Halvorson Kester (64):

Gwen Grimme Eltz (68)

L to R: Mel Kuhn, Bill Grimme, Greg Malget, Dick Johnson,
Connie Halvorson Kester, Gary Stokes,
Angela Berube Malget & Jim Kester

Mel Kuhn’s Classic that he restored and drives

Denise Peltier (DHS 1971) Passed away.
Posting from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND

January 02, 1954 – December 30, 2019
Denise Peltier, age 65 of Dunseith, died Monday at a Belcourt hospital.

Welcome Home – In Their Own Words – 10-min clip for our VN Vets Web link Posted by Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ

Pretty much the way it was ……except for the feelings and emotions that we all carry but cannot adequately transfer or relate to anyone that was not there!!

Bill

https://www.flyingtv.com/programs/b17a42

Gary’s Remarks I totally agree Bill. With all the Vietnam war protests, we didn’t get much of hero’s welcome returning home.

Bernadette’s Long-lost Niece with her 5 children, here for the funeral of Bernadette’s sister.

Ma.Lotte and her five children with Novie Ostulano Congson and Edz Lynn Sangris children, having their final meal before leaving for their home on the island of Samar. They were here for 9 days. These kids all had their same spot at the table for all three meals each day too. Lots of rice. That’s their main staple. Ma.Latte is Bernadette’s sister, Berlinda (deceased) long lost daughter recently found. She and her children were here for Berlinda’s funeral. Ma.Lotte was fortunate to have been able to see and visit with Berlinda, her birth mother, two days before Berlinda’s passing. Until three weeks ago she had no idea who her birth mother was. Berlinda’s final request was to see her. With a lot of persistence, Novie was able to locate her. Ma.Lotte is 46 years old. We enjoyed Ma.Lotte and her wonderful family. Note the beautiful smile of the girl on the right, turned looking at the camera. She is the youngest. 10 years old. Her nick name is Young Young (Young2). Her oldest brother Lester, 24, is on the left, far end of the table. Ma.Lotte is sitting next to Bernadette. Tata, our helper/caregiver, is feeding Bernadette.

==============================================
Blog (83)posted on May 12, 2010
Folks,

I am putting this out a bit early today. We have friends from Bremerton, WA staying/visiting with us. They will be here until Tuesday. Bernadette is fixing Breakfast, so hopefully I can get this distributed before she is ready for us to eat and our friends get up.

Please send any pictures that any of you have from the reunion.

Gary

Reply from Marie Iverson Staub (60): Seattle, WA

Gary,

It was wonderful seeing everyone at the reunion. Peggy & Dennis Espe had a nice get together for the class of 1960 at their house before the big reunion and it was great seeing people, I had not seen in over 50 years. I wish I could have stayed around the area longer but Barbara is still working so we had to leave the next day. I also want to add my thank’s to Verena for all the work to set this up it was great fun. Hope you and Bernadette had a nice trip getting home and many thank’s for all you both do to keep us informed. Thank’s to Peggy & Dennis Espe for having the class of 1960 at their house. I found out I ‘m related to Peggy, I guess it is a small world.

Marie Iverson Staub

Marie, it was so nice to see you. There were a number of your class of 6- folks in attendance. We’d like to see some pictures. It was so nice seeing your cousin Joyce & Harlan Flaata too. I remember them well from my younger days when we attended the Metigoshe Lutheran churches of which my folks and them were very active members of. They look the same and yes they do live on Bear Butte. Joyce confirmed that.

Address & Phone number change:
From Mona Dionne Johnson: Bottineau, ND.

I am now living in Bottineau.

Address: 325 5th St. E., Bottineau, ND 58318
Tel. No. 702-534-0131

Folks,

On Thursday afternoon/evening, before the reunion, John and Margaret Bedard invited us up to their home on Lake Metigoshe for a 10 plus course steak dinner. They prepared some might fine dishes with some of the most tender steaks I’ve ever eaten. John did a might fine job barbequing. Then they toped it all off with June Berry Pie and ice cream.

Shortly after we got to John & Margaret’s, Susan Fassett Martin called me. She and Esther Murray Fleming had just arrived in Dunseith and were at Dale’s. John and Margaret invited them to come up and join the party too. Later on Les and Myra Henning Halvorson came over too. They have a cabin next door to John & Margaret’s. It was a most enjoyable evening and a kick start for the rest of the reunion days to follow. We need to dearly cherish these type of gatherings, because they are so few and far between.

John and Margaret, you are great hosts. We thank you so much for this enjoyable evening. We will remember this day for years to come.

Gary

L to R: Bill Grimme, Sherry Nerpel, Irina Protassevitch, Ken Nerpel,
Brenda Johnson, Dick Johnson, Susan Fassett Martin & Gary Stokes

Grimme with his Fiancé Irina Protassevitch

Esther Murray Fleming, Brenda Johnson,
Sherry Nerpel & Susan Fassett Martin

Kenny Nerpel & Brenda Johnson

Dick Johnson & Esther Murray Fleming

Esther Murray Fleming, Susan Fassett Martin & John Bedard

Irina Protassevitch

Bill Grimme & Sherry Nerpel

Dick Johnson & Susan Fassett Martin
Note: Dick must have caught a big one???

Esther Murray Fleming & Gary Stokes

John Bedard

John and Margaret Brennan Bedard

Front to Back: Irina Protassevitch, Les Halvorson,
Myra Henning Halvorson & Esther Murray Fleming

Bernadette’s sister, Berlinda, Passed away
She lived Next door to us

Bernadette’s sister, Berlinda, passed away on May 13^th. She had been on Dialysis for two plus years. With failing health and Zero quality of life, she chose to discontinue her dialysis treatments. She lasted 9 days. She was 67 years old.

With Philippine tradition, her body and casket are in her house, next door, with nine days of prayers and services. Her funeral and burial are tomorrow (Sunday). Her sister is here from Japan and other relatives too, from other islands. That combined with the local relatives, there are lots of folks here and staying in our house. Tonight, we will have 25 plus folks spending the night. We don’t have bed space for them all, so they will just sleep on what ever floor space they find.  We are consuming lots of Rice, pork and Chicken.

Berlinda’s final desire was to be reunited with her “Out of Wedlock 46-year-old daughter”. Her Daughter was 4 years old when she last saw her. Out of the blue she remembered her Daughters adopted family name. Knowing the family name, her daughter Novie, was able to locate her living on the Island of Samar. Her out of wedlock daughter was very surprised and excited to finely know who her birth mother was. We were able to get her here two days before Berlinda died. Berlinda was very alert and conscience too. A fantastic reunion. This daughters name is Ma.Lette.  She went back home a few hours before Berlinda’s death. She is here now with all five of her children ages 10 to 24. They have been here since Wednesday. They are all staying in our guest apartment.

Bernadette took the death of her sister very hard. Bernadette’s condition the past few days, has not been good either. We have decided not to take her to the funeral tomorrow. It would be too difficult to get her there and into the church too. We doubt she’d be able to endure the length of time too.  Berlinda’s final home service will be tonight with the priest and church folks. Philippine Catholic traditions and beliefs. They will all walk behind the Hearse from here to the church tomorrow, a distance of about one mile.  Following the funeral, they will walk to the Cemetery located very near our house.

Gary

Christmas letter From Pastor Orval Moren:
Former Dunseith Lutheran Pastor

Merry Christmas family and friends,

I would like to wish you a blessed Christmas to you and your family. I continue to miss my dearie, Bernell. We were married for nearly 65 years, she passed on February 23, 2018. Life changes entirely upon the death of a beloved spouse. This year has brought many changes. I experienced three bouts of pneumonia and was hospitalized for several months. Slowly, I made my recovery. I have since sold my house and my car, have dispersed our possessions among our family to use and enjoy and have taken residence at the Good Samaritan Ambassador, in New Hope, Minnesota. I had the opportunity to dismantle my library to many friends and family.

Jon and Bonnie Moren welcomed a new granddaughter, Juniper Grace, born to Nate and Erin on November 19th. She joins her big sister, Penelope, who will soon be 3 years old. Nate and Erin continue with their business,Tandem made, and also work with Target in the build and design area. Erin also teaches at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). Ben is a professor at MCAD and Sara teaches at MCAD as well. Sara also does free-lance in graphic design. Jon is a Dentist and Clinic Director at the University of Minnesota Boynton Health and Bonnie enjoys retirement. They all live in the Minneapolis, MN area.

Becky and Ric Calhoun, living in Amarillo, TX are healthy and enjoying a very active life and their family. Ric is a capital project manager in the petroleum industry. Becky is currently substitute teaching so that she can visit me routinely. Their oldest, Daniel, lives in Lafayette, LA, where he is a concrete project manager. Rachel lives in Austin,TX and is working in the technology industry. She recently became engaged to Dietrich Schmidt, who is on pastoral staff of a Austin based church.  Joanna is in Little Rock, AR, and is a youth minister at a growing church. Noah is a project engineer in Houston and works in the oil and gas industry. Joel lives in Fayetteville, AR and is a junior in electrical engineering at the University of Arkansas.

Debbie and Jerry Higgins live in Maple Grove, MN. Jerry works at Sheet Metal Connectors. Debbie continues to be an adult foster care provider. Jenna and her husband, Mark Heise are excitedly expecting their first child, a girl, in April.  I hope they will name her Orvalena. Mark is a finance manager at Apple Automotive in Shakopee and Jenna works in operations management in the wellness industry. Jay and his fiancée, Kelly Niles, became engaged in September. She is a marketing project manager and Jay received his Doctor of Chiropractic in May and now works full-time at his practice at Orthology in Eagan, MN. Jesse is a Senior in electrical engineering at the University of Minnesota in Duluth and will graduate in May. Jesse is in a relationship with Alina Godyaeva, who is majoring in environmental sciences. Tony Higgins works at Best Buy, and his girlfriend is Sadaya Sutta, works at Chuck E Cheese and also attends school part-time.

My youngest daughter, Mary Beth Galey, who is helping me write this letter, continues to live in Minnetonka, MN. She enjoys her role at Optum, a health services division of UnitedHealthGroup, as Vice President of strategic client management. She travels extensively and yet we see each other often.

Now more than ever, I continue to enjoy visits by phone, email, letters or in person (We suggest you call before you come). In this season of Christmas, I wish you the Lord’s blessings for a healthy and wealthy Christmas and 2020. I am residing at:

Good Samaritan Ambassador
Sunny Ridge, Room 114
8100 Medicine Lake Road
New Hope, MN, 55427

You can also reach me on my cell phone at 763-443-0777 and please forward email greetings or notes to my daughter Becky Calhoun at her email, zip55123@hotmail.com.

Continued blessings,

Orval Moren

==============================================
Blog (82) posted on May 11, 2010

Folks,

We got back home to the Philippines last night about 11:00 PM. When we landed they announced that it was 86F. That is about 4 degrees warmer than normal for that hour of the day. It’s currently 94F at 4:00 PM. This is the warmest that I have ever seen it here in Cebu.

We most certainly had a great trip seeing so many of you folks. It was absolutely wonderful. We so enjoyed the many small gatherings before and after the reunion as well. Last Friday, the evening before we left ND, we gathered at the Pizza Inn, in Bottineau, with Dick/Brenda Johnson, Jim/Connie Halvorson Kester, John/Margaret Bedard and Darrel/Debbie Stokes for Pizza and some good conversation from years past. When we were leaving, one of the workers in the back said to Dick, “You guys are leaving”. What was he thinking, we had only been there a little over 5 hours! We sure had fun reminiscing old times and stories from the past. Someday we’ll have to pick up from where we left off. We weren’t finished by any means, right Dick, Margaret & Connie.

I have not had a chance to down load any pictures from our camera that we took in the states yet today. I need to download and get them all separated. Hopefully I’ll get that done later this evening so I can post a few with tomorrow’s posting.

I have posted some pictures, at the bottom of this message from our Alaska Cruise, that Phyllis McKay provided. When we were in Federal Way on Sunday with our Grandkids, we called Phyllis to join us for dinner at the “Old Country Buffet”. It’s always a pleasure visiting with Phyllis.

Gary

Reply from Verena Gillis: Dunseith, ND

Gary, I went and cleaned up on Sunday and didn’t find any camera so someone may have picked it up Saturday evening. They may respond to your posting on the blog, I hope.

Got everything all cleaned and put away and returned to key to George plus $100.00 to cover any electric expenses. He told me anywhere from $30.00 to $80.00 so I just gave him $100.00 and that seemed to satisfy him.

I have been getting so many compliments on the food, the organization, the decorations, etc. from people in the community that attended and this makes everything all worthwhile! I am so happy it was a huge success and this makes my heart soar like an eagle!

Later, Verena (*-*)

Verena, your heart has every right to soar like an eagle with the huge success of this wonderful reunion. You made it happen and we so appreciate you going the extra miles to make this whole event the success that it was. When I visited you at that school several days before the reunion, I can not for the life of me figure out how you manage to do all that you do with all the things that you have on your plate. To top things off you were tasked by the school to make up graduation announcements, banners, etc. for the DHS gradation the day following our reunion. How do you manage to do it all and so efficiently? You are most certainly a super woman. DHS will be lost when you retire someday.

We want to thank George Gottbreht too, for letting us use the Bingo Barn rent free. He only ask that we pay the utilities that were incurred for this event. Thank you, George. I was also pleasantly surprised to see my name on Dale’s Bill Board out by the road too “Welcome Stokes Bogglers”. Bernadette first noticed it when we drove into Dale’s several days after we were in the area. Her words were “Look at that, your name is posted on that sign!” Sure enough it was and for three weeks too. Again, thank you George.

Reunion:
Reply from Brenda Hoffman (68): Greenville, SC

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. What a great reunion. I missed talking to so many people- just ran out of time even though the lights were shut off on Dick, Brenda, me and Tim Hill! I thought Bernadette was probably a lovely lady but know so now – a entire week of listening to our stories PLUS manning the reception area. Way to go Bernadette. And I can’t even begin to tell you how important the San Haven info at the Museum was/is to me. Kudos big time to Mel and Dick and Kudos to you for using the blog to tell us about it. Great weekend that I wish had been longer.

Love Brenda

You are so welcome Brenda. You were among those of us that were there to the most enjoyable end. We all had to leave about 12:30 AM so they could lock the place up. Brenda, you are a hoot and so much fun. I am so glad that you were able to attend. We enjoyed seeing Dave too, at the Museum. Gary

Message from Aime Casavant (66): Jamestown, ND

Gary,

Not sure if your checking your blog on vacation.

I have been assigned a bus charter run to Oklahoma City next week. Were supposed to be back around 1:00PM on Friday – I’m hoping for no problems so I can make it to Dunseith. Hope to see everyone there.

I drive charter tours in the so called semi-retirement.

Wild Weasel Mission in Viet Nam
Bill Hosmer’s (48) reply to DIck Johnson (68): Tucson, AZ

Bill Hosmer wrote: > Dick, Thanks for your reply. Yes, the Wild Weasel mission is some thing that I, personally, initiated by way of recommendation to the general who asked each of us flight leaders what we thought of a mission the day before in 1965 when six of us got shot down attempting to kill SAM sites very near Hanoi. Forty eight F-105 “Thuds* attacked two sites. We had to fly at very low level in order to not be shot down by the missiles themselves, but the AAA guys had a ball. My wing man was hit and had to eject as we were attacking one of the sites. I was leading eight birds and were supposed to hit everything left standing after the other forty had attacked. My guy was the only one not killed or taken prisoner that day, out of the six shoot downs. I was pretty pissed when the general asked me what I thought of the mission. I told him it was the f—ing dumbest thingI’ve ever experienced in my life. He said, ok, you get a meeting set up with representatives > from all the units involved and give me a recommendation on how to kill SAMs. By the way, you will be leading the next effort to get them. Igot the other guys together and we put together a long range and short range plan to kill SAMs. The long range one was to get a group of fighterpilots, with stuff already on the shelf,trained to do just that one specialty and develop tactics to lead the attack force into those high threattargets close to town. The F-100 was the first bird they had available to do this. The commander of that first outfit was and is a good friend of mine, Gary Willard. Later F-105s were modified with more advanced avionics to try to do it better, and finally F-4s got into the act. I led a twelve ship flight of F-105s on the next effort after the bad day of losses. I was able to develop my own tactical approach to getting the job done. We damaged the site and guns around it and did not lose one bird. I got some recognition > for doing it, and was proud of the people who volunteered to go with me on that one, in the face of the bad day with all those losses. So, Dick, I got carried away when you mentioned Wild Weasel and got a little offthe track. By the way, I flew the F-100 my second time over there, and it was all strikes against targets in Laos, and close air support for troops in South Vietnam. The president called off strikes in North Vietnam which boiled my blood. Cheers, Bill

Dick’s reply to Bill:

 Bill,

Gary Willard was the guy they we interviewing, I’m quite sure—Brig. Gen. Gary Willard–if my memory serves me. Thanks for the info and you can ‘get off track’ with me anytime—I love it!! It’s too bad they didn’t ask you guys the day BEFORE rather than after the black day. Thanks again.

Dick

Dick’s reply to Bill: 

Bill,

I will certainly greet the reunion goers on your behalf. We will miss you and Pat . The news about Pat’s improvement is great! This is a step in the right direction for her and just being home will be therapeutic in itself. Tonight, the Military Channel ran a documentary on the Wild Weasels in Vietnam. It told the in-depth course of action you guys did in the F 100s to decoy the SAMs ahead of the strike force. The entire NVA trick with ‘off and on’ radar to hide their sites was explained in detail. It was interesting but made me realize even more the danger you guys faced on a daily basis. It sounded like the Wild Weasels started the sorties in late ’65. Were you in the initial? squadrons? We bought a new satellite TV system and now get some real good channels—-for history and aviation buffs, anyway. Hope things keep improving for Pat. Give her our best!

Dick

Mike Hill:
Reply from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

Gary,

I think I’ve mentioned Wally’s nephew was married this past Saturday. Once again, it’s a small world. Shane’s “best man” was Mike Hill, Tim Hill’s son. I met Tim at the reception.

Neola

Message from Cecile Carbonneau Marchand (50): Kenosha, WI & Clearwater, FL.

Welcome t5o the states. I cannot be there for the reunion but I will be looking forward to hearing all about it. Wish you good weather and good times.. Cecile Marchand (1950)

Message from Marge Longie Langan Wilcox (56): Vancouver, WA.

Gary/ Bernadette,

hope you both have a great time at the reunion.

one of these years I will try and make a reunion.

tell everyone hello for me.

Marge Langan Wilcox tigerlady414@aol.com

Message from Donald Malaterre (72): Sioux Falls, SD.

Hi Gary,

This is Donald Malaterre from the class of 1972.

Would you please add my name and my wife’s name, Joann Malaterre to the list of attendees of the Dunseith Reunion next week.

Joann is not a Dunseith alumni, but she thinks you are some kind of a legend.

We live in Sioux Falls, SD.

Thank you, and we will see you there.

Donald Malaterre

Donald, I am so glad that your were able to make it to the reunion. I enjoyed meeting you and Joann. It was nice of you to stop by at Dale’s to visit with our class of 65 folks on Friday too, the day before the reunion. I noticed you knew a number of folks and they too were glad to see you. Gary

Message from Paulette LaCroix Chisholm (68):  Newark, Delaware

Gary,

Have a safe and pleasant trip back to the US! You and Bernadette should have a great time visiting family and staying in the area. Better bring a jacket, it’s been downright chilly in the US. Thank you so much for keeping the blog going and for the opportunity for the extended community of ND to stay connected to their roots, memories, and old friends. You are a peach without the pit!

Paulette LaCroix Chisholm

Posted on the Dunseith Alumni Web Site:
From Beverly Hamnes Handeland (48): Bottineau, ND

From: beverly hamnes Phone: E-mail: Message: DEAR GARY; HERE IS MY EMAIL ADDRESS WE SURE HAD A GOOD EVENING WTIH EVERY ONE SATURDAY NITE. THANK YOU SO MUCH AND ALSO BERNADETTE. BEV

Reply to the pie postings sent from ND.
From Gwen Struck Dumas (68): Havre, MT

I just made my first ever angle food “pie”! Not sure how that happened, but it’s definitely different!

Clint went outside to cut firewood. It’s raining pitchforks and hammer handles and has been all week. I think he needed to get away to have a good ol’ belly laugh!! I may do the same…..some day.

Reply from Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND
Thank You Gary for making things happen.

Your blog continues to be like the old General store where folks gathered or Central Telephone Exchange of yesteryear. Many folks use quite frequently (other folks just listen in /view). All of us benefit by the exchange of positive communication.

I sincerely hope you and Bernadette had a good vacation. I here stateside felt it was great seeing you both again.

Happy Trails to you until we meet again……….Vickie

Vickie, Thank you so much for this nice compliment. It was most certainly a pleasure seeing and visiting with you both at the reunion and at the Bakery hashing out days gone by. I am hoping you are enjoying your trip back to Scotland with your cousin Geri Metcalf Munro and her husband Chuck. You may be back now. Please fill us in? Gary

Note from Bob Leonard (51): Lake Metigoshe & Dunseith, ND.

Hi Everyone:

Just a quick note to let you know I will be moving my computer to Lake Metigoshe, effective today, 5-23-2010. I am assuming I will have my same Metigoshe e-mail address, which is

If I find that I have to use another address, I will let all of you know.

Plan on having it up and running tomorrow afternoon, perhaps best if you do not use it until Tuesday.

We plan on making our physical move this week, perhaps on Wednesday or Thursday.

Hope all is well with all of you, have a good summer.

Sincerely,

Bob

Trying to locate Jim Olson – Former Teacher
From Larry Nagel (Former Teacher): Shields, ND

I have been trying to locate Jim Olson for some time. He taught at Dunseith High School Business Department until the spring of 1966.

Thank you!

Larry Nagel

July 2009 Alaskan Cruise pictures:

Posted by Phyllis McKay (65):  Auburn, WA

Note: I think the date on these pictures must have defaulted to the wrong date when Phillis took these.

Class of 65 members:
Back: Gary Stokes, Patty Boguslawski Gottbreht & Phyllis McKay
Front: Bill Grimme

Gary Stokes & Phyllis McKay
 
Darrel (Bud) 970)/Debby Stokes, Phyllis McKay (65) & Oliver/Marlene Reing
Note: Debby and Marlene are sisters.

Gary (57) & Sue Metcalfe

LeaRae Parrill Espe (67) & Terry Espe (64)


Cheryl Haagenson (71)


Cheryl Haagenson (71), Florence Pladson Sime (62), Becky Sime Coles (83) & Phyllis McKay (65)

(Lee’s Friend) Lee Stickland (64), Phyllis Mckay (65) & Gloria Pflepsoen


Patty Boguslawski Gottbreht (65) & Phyllis McKay (65)


Minnie Knox Flynn (47), K. Flynn Richard (67) & Phyllis McKay (65)
Note: Minnie & K. are mother/daughter

Philippine Address

Question from Kaye K. Lystad Kirk:  Fargo, ND

Hi Gary,

Does everyone know what address to use to mail a card to you, if one wanted to?  I know I don’t…

Thanks,

Kaye K. Lystad Kirk

Gary’s Reply

Kay,

I have two addresses. I have a USA military FPO address and a Local address.
Delivery time for both addresses is about 2 weeks. Longer with the holidays.

1. My FPO Military address is USA Mail with regular USA postage.

1. Gary Stokes
2. PSC 517 Box 6908
3. FPO AP 96517

1. Local Philippine address requires special postage

1. Gary Stokes
2. Purok 2
3. Nangka, Consolacion
4. Cebu, Philippines 6001 

Leonard Stickland and Darrel Fassett Deaths
Posted by LaRose Ketterling (’46):  Mercer, ND

Gary,

In case you haven’t heard

Two Dunseith deaths

Darrel Fassett October 29, 2019 in Georgia, age 90 (birthday Dec 1)

Leonard Stickland Nov 12, 2019  age 91 in Mandan, ND obituary in Bismarck Tribune

LaRose Ketterling

Obituary

Leonard George Stickland, 91, Mandan, North Dakota, passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at St. Alexius Hospital surrounded by his family who loved him deeply. Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 PM, Friday, November 15, 2019, at DaWise-Perry Funeral Services, Mandan. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service. There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place. Leonard was born October 3, 1928, at Dunseith, North Dakota, to Edward and Alice (Striker) Stickland. He was raised on the family farm until age 12 when his family moved to Dunseith where he graduated from high school in 1947. He attended Minot State Teachers College and taught school for two years. On December 18, 1948, he married Eleanor Awalt in Seattle, Washington. He joined the Teamsters Union in 1952 and drove tanker truck. The highlight of his working career was going to Greenland in 1959 and working as a heavy equipment operator building a radar base on the icecaps. Leonard’s greatest joy was the time spent with his grandchildren – teaching them to drive, to shoot a gun or drive a boat. His children and grandchildren will never forget his many pranks and sense of humor. Leonard enjoyed restoring old cars, and moose hunting in Canada. He traveled to all of the US states except Maine. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; three daughters, Margaret Gress, Atlanta, Georgia, Barbara (Mark) Knoll, Richfield, Minnesota, and Kim (John) Gleich, Wisconsin; one son, Michael Stickland, Mandan; son-in-law George Gress; nine grandchildren, Michael, Brian (Jena), Andrew, and Anthony (Stacy) Gress, Dustin Knoll, Paul, Kelsey (Joe), Adam, and Kyle Gleich; and four great-grand-daughters, Anna, Avary, Natalie and Eleanor Gress. He also leaves behind his furry friend, Charlie. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, son David; granddaughter, Mariah Gleich; five sisters, Joy Peterson, Lois Nugent, Doris Bousche, Marion McFadden, and Delma Beaudry, and two brothers, Bob and Ennis.

Gary’s Comment

Thanks, LaRose for this info. We knew about Darrel Fassett’s passing, but had no idea that Leonard Stickland had passed away.

We extend our condolences to Leonard’s family too, with his passing.

Allen Stokes Memorial Service
May 13, 2020 at 1:00 PM (Wednesday)
Metigoshe Lutheran church.

Folks,

I will be attending Allen’s Memorial in May. We have good help for Bernadette, but even with that, I can not be gone long. There are things that I am needed for. I will be gone a total of 11 days.

I will be in ND Monday to Thursday the week of Allen’s Memorial. I am looking forward to seeing many of you folks while I am there too.

Going from 90F temps this time of year to ND, would be a bit of a shock. That plus I don’t have the clothes.

Gary

Condolences to the Darrel Fassett Family
From Ron Peltier (’70):  Dunseith, ND

I just now read of the passing of Darrel Fassett and would to send my most heartfelt condolences to his family and relatives.  We really enjoyed golfing with him and wondered why he hasn’t shown up these past few summers, the only one left now from his group is Bob Leonard and he’s still competitive as heck.

Sylvia McLeod Haakenson Passed away
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Dunseith Alumni Friends and Gary,

Sympathy to the McLeod family on the loss of their sister., Sylvia.

Her brother,  Kenny was a 70’s classmate.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

==============================================
Blog (81) posted on May 10, 2010

Leaving for the States today:

Folks,

Bernadette and I will be leaving for the states a little past Midnight tonight. We’ll have a 12 hour lay over in Seoul Korea of which the airlines will be putting us up in a hotel for that time. That will be a nice break. From Seoul we have a direct flight to Seattle. We’ll be arriving in Seattle a little past noon on Tuesday. We’ll be spending time with our kids, grandkids and friends in Bremerton for a few days. On Sunday we’ll be flying to Minot. We’ll be in ND until June 5th before heading back to Cebu via Seattle. While in ND we’ll be staying with my brother Darrel (Bud) and his wife Debby in Bottineau.\

When we get to Seattle, Bernadette and I will be getting Cell phone AT&T SIM cards for our phones. I will be posting those numbers when I get them. I’m hoping we can get local Dunseith/Bottineau numbers?

While back in the states, I will be posting limited daily blogs.

We are looking forward to seeing you folks.

Gary

Reply from John Tangen: California.

Gary, What a fascinating piece! While I have long ago become a “mountain country” fan, I still enjoy driving across my home state, North Dakota and relaxing in the tranquility. One of my favorite travel memories, one summer evening a few years back, was driving east through the badlands along I-94. To the south was a spectacular display of sheet lightning, something I’d not witnessed before except in Texas; then to my left I noticed another light display, and after pondering a few moments realized I was beholding the Northern Lights, which I hadn’t seen since we moved to town (Bottineau) in 1965. The double display was so mesmerizing I had to pull over and stop a while to enjoy. Not a single other car appeared to interrupt the show. Anyway, those mental snapshots are still in memory’s photo album.

Hope you have a great time back in the “home country”!

John

Folks, John Tangen’s mother was Esther Thompson Tangen, sister to Ella Thompson Pladson. John is a first cousin to Keith Pladson and all his siblings.

John, It’s great hearing from you. Gary

Message from Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND.

Gary,

Larry Hackman asked me in an e-mail why I wasn’t writing anymore of those funny stories about my wife. Now Lola-when you see Kathy at work you don’t have to tell her all about this-OK. So here goes. A few weeks back my wife’s dad passed away[probably why I didn’t think to pass this on] and she was gone to Indiana for a week and a half. Anyway-when she left, she gave me the checkbook saying only to use it if I really needed stuff[this is the first time I’ve seen the checkbook in over 20 years. After about a week I ran out of clean dishes and pretty near run out of clean clothes. This was mostly due to the fact that she left in kind of a hurry and didn’t wash everything before she left. Well anyway I went and bought some new plates and silverware and stuff[I didn’t get any new kettles and frying pan as if you cook the same thing you can use them over] and a few pairs of pants and some shirts and underwear. When she got home, she seemed a little upset about this saying that the checkbook was for buying more laundry detergent and dish soap not for buying clean things to use. I still don’t understand what I did wrong. Maybe you can help me out here Larry, you are just a little older and maybe a little wiser than me in these matters.

Mel

Mel, we are excited to see you. We are looking forward to the tour that you and Dick will giving the Alumni folks of the Museum too. Gary

Reply from Marlene (Lilleby)Palmquist Larsen (53): Ephrata, WA

Hope you and Bernadette have one grand time!!!Thanks for all the Blogs, even though there are many I don'[t know —it is surprising how many I do know and how you make us all part of the Dunseith family. Would love to be there at the reunion === will be a lot of good times. Thanks again for creating this Blog.

Marlene (Lilleby)Palmquist Larsen

Reply from Blanche Wicks Schley (42):  Grand Forks, ND

Hope that you and the classmates listed in your daily e-mail will have a wonderful reunion. The town will be busting at the seams for a few hours!

Can you see if the history of Dunseith that has been mentioned several times is available? Thanks.

Again, thank you for starting this daily e-mail!

Blanche

PS: You have a really beautiful wife!

Yes, Bernadette has inner beauty too with a heart of gold. She loves to give.

Update from DeAnn Gottbreht O’Hara: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanngottbreht

Happy Mother’s Day everyone! I’m am looking forward tomorrow to my first Mother’s Day and my Birthday all in the same day! It will be very special. I will be able to celebrate it with my Mother and Grandmother so that is pretty special as well.

I had another chemo Friday and it went well. Only one more chemo treatment to go!! I can’t wait. The hormone treatments should be a lot easier on my system without all the side effects of the chemo. I saw my doctor and she was sure excited to see Connor and hold him for the first time. She said Connor is our Miracle Boy and he sure is! He went through a lot with me already and came through it just fine. He is also a great traveler in the car! Thank goodness since we are driving all over the state pretty much every week.

I put up a couple new pictures of Connor on here for you all to see. He is sure changing fast. He is also starting to sleep better at night the last couple of night so that sure helps me out. He is eating larger amounts to so I think that helps. Take care everyone and enjoy the weekend!

Leona Hosmer’s Obituary
Posted by Colette Hosmer (’64):   Santa Fe, NM

Leona Hosmer

Leona Hosmer 1920 – 2019

Leona ”Lee” Hosmer passed away of natural causes at the age of 98 years and 9 months, on September 1, 2019, at the home of a daughter in Santa Fe, NM.

Leona was born when the life expectancy in the United States was 53 years for males and 54 years for females.  She entered the world (population 1 billion, 811 million) on December 8^th, 1920. Her arrival came just two months after the United States Constitution had granted women the right to vote.

Leona gave credit for her good health, work ethic, humor, tenacity and sense of adventure to being raised by “wonderful parents” on a working farm during The Great Depression. Cash was a rare commodity but she credited family resourcefulness, hard work and “two good water wells” for the fact that they always had plenty of food.  She took pride in her father’s ability to accomplish tough goals. One in particular––that all of his children would graduate from high school––was achieved in spite of hard times.

Inspired by her father, Leona set a few goals of her own. In the summer of 1931, eleven-year-old Leona Richard watched a troupe of gypsies pull into the farmyard to trade for a few chickens. The gypsy wagons carried all of their worldly belongings. Leona remembered thinking how exciting it would be to live on the road!  She was also influenced by a favorite teacher in school who said, “If you want to do a thing badly enough you will do it.” She began a list of places that she wanted to visit in the world––The Great Wall of China, Hawaii…gradually, her list grew as she studied more history and geography in school. Before long, she had added the Panama Canal, the pyramids in Yucatan and many more.

Leona’s journey began with a thirteen-mile trip from her farm home to Dunseith where a long and successful marriage to Bob Hosmer ensued.  Their fifty-nine years together produced a family grocery store, three daughters, Janet, Nancy and Colette, and too-many-to-count hunting, fishing and camping trips.  These excursions graced many meals with wild fish and fowl. Along with raising a family, Leona excelled at bridge and golf, taught square dancing at the Dunseith school, led a brownie scout troupe and revisited her first language (French) with mail-order books and records.

A relatively early retirement kicked-off Leona and Bob’s road adventures, beginning with a cross-Canada trip in one of the early pick-up mounted campers, before graduating to larger goose-neck versions.  They traveled extensively from northern Canada to southern Mexico and crisscrossed North America from west to east.  Bob and Leona’s long retirement included 26 winters in southern New Mexico where golfing, bridge, horseracing and increasingly exotic travel destinations continued. Summer visits back to North Dakota were a yearly event. Following the death of her life partner, Bob, Leona moved to Oregon where she lived for the next sixteen years (winning major bridge tournaments in her eighties) before returning to New Mexico.

Over her long life, Leona traveled to every destination on her childhood list.  Many decades later, she found herself on the other side of the Earth, and following a steep and difficult climb, she heard herself say, “Here I am, standing on the Great Wall of China!”

Leona Serena Maria Richard Hosmer will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother, aunt and grandmother. Her example of how to live a full, exciting and generous life has forever influenced her many grateful descendants and has given her the starring role in so many family stories.

Leona is survived by daughters, Nancy Baldwin (spouse, Keith Kontzie) and Colette Hosmer; Grandchildren, Scot Furgason, Christine Westwood, Michael Cobb, Samantha Furgason; Great-grandchildren, Quinton Furgason, Ryan Featherson, Melissa Bruning, Silver Furgason, Tien Zin Furgason-Ho; and Great, great granddaughter, Camryn Lee Bruning.

Leona was predeceased by her husband; Robert “Bob” Hosmer; daughter, Janet Louise Cobb; parents, Fred and Johanna Richard; Siblings, Herbert Richard, Gerald Richard, Virgil Richard, Verdellis Larson and Jerrine Larson.
Gary’s Comment
Our condolences are with Leona’s entire family with her passing. She will most certainly be missed. She lived a very active life well into her upper 90’s. With some of the more recent FB posting I saw of her; she was very active and for sure didn’t show her age being in her upper 90’s.  

Brother Allen Stokes Passed away (’67)
Obituary / Comments posted by Gary Stokes (’65)

Folks,

Our Brother Allen passed away this past Wednesday.

Allen’s passing was expected. In March 2016 he was assaulted and severely beaten with multiple skull fractures and several broken ribs. Ever since he has remained in a vegetable state of being. His death has now been ruled a homicide.

Cremation is pending. His ashes will be shipped to ND for burial at Ackworth Cemetery. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Actually, my plans are to go back for Allen’s Memorial Service. Tentative plans are May of Next year. Bernadette is unable to travel, so it would be just me. With Bernadette’s condition I can only be gone for a maximum of 10 days and that is stretching it. I will only be ND for about 3 days. A whirlwind trip.

Gary

Allen Stokes

July 30,1948 – Nov 7, 2019

Allen L. Stokes, age 71 of El Cajon, CA formerly of Dunseith, died Thursday November 7, 2019 at an El Cajon hospital.

Allen was born July 30,1948 in Bottineau, ND. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. He attended Ackworth Country Grade School and Dunseith High School.

Following his formal education, Allen worked in the oil fields in Western ND, Montana and Wyoming. In 1999, following the downsizing of the oil drilling, he moved near his brother Gary in Bremerton WA. In Bremerton he worked numerous construction and painting contract jobs. In 1992 he moved to San Diego CA where he has resided ever since. In San Diego he worked maintenances for several larger apartment complexes. Allen retired in 2010.

In 1976 Allen was united in marriage to Sharon. That marriage was later dissolved. In 1993 he was united in marriage to Janet. That marriage later ended. Allen had no children.

Allen was pretty well known in the Bottineau, Dunseith and Turtle Mountain communities for his supped-up cars and his ability to fix and keep them running. He had quite a car collection in the back woods of our parent’s farm. Several collectables too.

Allen, in his youth, was well known among the local farmers for his work ethics, his work horse reputation and his abilities to efficiently accomplish all jobs tasked to him in a timely manner.

Allen is survived by his two brothers. Gary and his wife Bernadette, Cebu, Philippines; Darrel and his wife Deborah, Bottineau, ND; Nephews, Bernie and Nathan Stokes: Nieces, Sheryl Wingate and Kristin Podominick.

Allen was preceded in death by his Parents, Robert and Elaine Stokes, Bottineau, ND

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Interment: Cremation with ashes buried in the Ackworth Cemetery.

==============================================
Blog (80) posted on May 9, 2010

Folks,

This is a very rare day with not having anything to post. Bernadette and I are meeting some of our friends for lunch at 11:30 AM this morning at the Mall. This is Mother’s Day too. We celebrated Mother’s Day a bit early with a buffet dinner last night with some other friends of ours at the Marco Polo Hotel.

Tomorrow night we will be heading to the Airport for our 12:30 AM flight back to the states. Bernadette has our bags packed and ready to go. Tomorrow will be the last daily blog that I will be sending before leaving. I plan on sending a few messages while back in the states as time permits, but will probably keep them to a minimum. When I don’t have all my tools at my fingertips, it’s a bit clumsier. In ten minutes, we’ll be leaving, so I better get this sent and posted on the Website.

Gary

Gwen Grimme Eltz has identified all but three in this photo taken 40 years ago.

NDSU-Bottineau Business Club Photo
Neola Kofoid Garbe’s message to Gary Stokes and Dick Johnson

Hi, Gary and Dick.
Another Wondrasek picture.  I don’t know if any of your readers might be in this picture.  I recognize Joan McLean Bonn, but that’s it.
Neola

Brenda/Dick Johnson’s reply
In the bottom row last one on the right side is Mrs. Syvertson and next to her is Gwen Grimme Eltz.  Looks like it was taken at the School of Forestry some time in 1968-69 in the gym.
Brenda

 Gary Stokes Forward to Gwen Grimme Eltz
Hello Gwen,
Dick and Brenda identified you in this picture. How many others do know?Thanks,
Gary 

Gwen Grimme Eltz Reply:  

Hi Gary, Thanks for sharing the picture. It was taken, as mentioned, on Fall Quarter 1979 when I taught at NDSU-Bottineau. The group is our Business Club, and I remember the names and hometowns of the people in the pic, with the exception of just two or three of them.  I’ll print the pic tomorrow and attach names and hometowns. The nice thing about teaching at that school is that we really got to know the students well and I still stay in touch with many of my former students. I also got well acquainted with my Washington state students, but once they graduated it was harder to stay in touch with them. I started teaching at NDSU-Bottineau in 1974 and retired from teaching at Spokane Falls Community College in 2014. Teaching was always my passion! I’ll be back in touch with the names of the students in a few days, Thanks again!

 Hi Gary,
Attached is a .pdf file that contains the names/hometowns of the NDSU-Bottineau 1979-80 Business Club students in the picture that you asked about. It was a good memory test for me! Thanks for sending the pic to me!

 Gary’s comments
Thanks Gwen, You did very well remembering all these people and their home towns too, 40 years later. What a fantastic memory. You only missed three and I’m sure some of our readers will be able to identify them

NOTE: A PDF copy of this picture is attached.

NDSU-Bottineau Business Club 1979-80

Bottom Row (L to R):  Marlene Gores/Bisbee; Kim Pritchard/Bottineau; Doreen Counts/Dunseith; Barb Geinert/Nortonville; Bonnie Henry/Newburg; Cindy Schmaltz/Towner; Gwen Grimme Eltz, Instructor/Marjorie Severson, Instructor.

Row 2: (L to R) Bernadine Blomquist/New Rockford; Theresa Floberg/Westhope; Kim Teigen/Maxbass; Juliene Getzlaff/Bottineau; Cheryl Bertsch/Rolla; Lana Pigeon/Rolette; Delores Knutson/Kenmare; Margo Laviguer/Souris; Dave Olson, Instructor.

Row 3: (L to R) Carrie Heilman/Rolla; Connie Heilman/Rolla; Alberta “Birdie” Haakenson/Bottineau; Cheryl Gessner/Newburg; (Unknown); Fran Indegaard/New Rockford; (Unknown); Shirley Beith, Instructor.

Top Row: (L to R) Kim Rude/Bottineau; (Unknown); Jackie Belgarde/Belcourt; Suzanne Swenson; Portal; ? Thurston/Bottineau; Ardelle Ostrom/Bottineau; Melanie Brudwick/Bottineau

Kathleen Brennan Anklam (Margaret ‘John’ Bedard’s Sister) Passed away
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (‘70): Bottineau, ND 

KATHLEEN’S OBITUARY

Kathleen Ann “Kathy” Anklam, 80 of Rolette, ND passed away on Friday morning, November 1, 2019 at the Heart of America Medical Center, Rugby, ND.

Funeral Services for Kathy will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Valle Lutheran Church, Rolette with Reverend Jim Odden officiating. Burial will be in the Rolette Cemetery.

Gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, November 5^th at Valle Lutheran Church from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.

Kathleen Ann was born on November 29, 1938 to Ross and Hazel (Wickman) Brennan, the oldest of seven children. She grew up in the Turtle Mountains on the shores of Carpenter Lake.

After graduating from high school, she continued her education at Minot State College, earning her Teaching Certificate. She taught at Shell Valley, a one room country school. One day the bachelor farmer “Donald Anklam” showed up at the school with a very original alternative motive to meet the single school teacher.  He asked her if she wanted to go “hunting rabbits”. He had a shot gun with him, hoping she would say yes.

Kathy was united in marriage to Donald on September 21, 1959 at the Lutheran Parsonage in Rolette. They purchased the “farm homestead” on mile South of Rolette on “April Fools Day”, 1964 where they raised their 2 daughters Karen and Wendy.

Once Karen started school, Kathy returned to teaching kindergarten. She also took classes at Turtle Mountain Community College in Belcourt and after the daughters left home, she worked to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Mayville State College and with hard work and dedication received her Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND.

She was a beloved teacher at Rolette Public School for many years and eventually was the Grade School Principal. Prior to her retirement, she was a Reading Specialist at the school.

For the past 20 years since retirement, she and Don traveled extensively throughout the United States.

Kathy was a very active member of Valle Lutheran Church and the WELCA. She enjoyed bird watching, quilting, fishing, gardening-both flowers and vegetables. There was a large accumulation of fabric for the countless baby blankets that Kathy made to give to relatives and anyone who she knew having a baby.  The International Peace Garden held a special place in Kathy’s heart, since her father had worked their while serving with the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp).

Kathy was all about family. She made it a point to be present for the many milestones in her grandchildren’s lives and felt blessed to be a great grandmother. Kathy never missed the yearly Brennan family reunions and so many other get-togethers with her extended family.  She knew how important it was to bring together the constantly growing family and treasuring all the laughs and memories shared.

Adjectives that best describe our precious Kathy include welcoming, inquisitive, supportive, respectful, encouraging, positive and most of all loving which was shown in her many gifts and ways.

In late August, Kathy entered Hospice Care at Heart of America. At the admission meeting, we were told to focus on “quality of time-not quantity”. We want to thank the staff for their many efforts of kindness and care shown to Kathy.

Kathy’s loving family include her husband Donald, now of Rugby, formerly a resident of Rolette, ND for 87 years; daughters Karen (Wayne) Hopfinger, Bismarck, ND and Wendy Anklam, Minneapolis, MN; siblings Carol Desper, Bismarck, Margaret (John) Bedard, Bottineau, ND, Betsy (Gary) Snidak, Stow, OH, Jack (Evie) Brennan, Fargo, ND and Gail Fox, Mankato, MN; grandchildren Jerett, Derek, Travis and Caitlin; great grandchild Radrick; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Peggy Johnson

==============================================
Blog (79) posted on May 8, 2010

Verena Gillis Appreciation:
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary,

I’d like to express my appreciation to Verena. Wow! Thank-you for all the thoughtfulness, communication and hard work you are doing to make such an organized school homecoming!

Cool rainy, weather has been in our picture the past 2 weeks . Rhubarb was coming up nicely, as it likes the cool spring moisture. I woke up today wondering if my rhubarb crop will fail as it’s peeking through a light snow covering. Then, I wondered about juneberries which can be touchy about frost.

Oh well, looking at the positive, the cold clime keeps my mind on school! And I’m not longing to be outdoors in the frosty muddy glop yard cleaning.

Take care when re-filling your cuppa …. fill your day with some laughter too.Vickie

Vickie, I 2nd your words of appreciation for Verena. She has done and is doing a wonderful job coordinating all of the logistics and organizing for our reunion. She’s a super woman with great communication and organizational skills. Thank you Verena. Gary

Email address change:
From Leland Hagen (50): Bryan, TX.

I am changing internet service effective today, 7-may -2010. Please make this correction to your address book.

lghagen1@ verizon.net

Thanks, Leland

David Houim, Cousin to the Hackman siblings, was killed in a tree cutting accident:
Posted by Larry Hackman (66): Bismarck, ND. 

Note: Larry, Neola sent me David’s obituary several days ago. I was waiting for more info and connections before posting. Thanks, Gary

Gary

Since David Hoium was brought up and some people know him.

I thought I would send my first cousins obituary.

He was the youngest son of my mothers sister.

He died much to young and left a wife and three children behind that will miss him.

He joins his daughter, and his mother and dad in heaven.

He was a good guy.

He will be missed.

God bless him, his family and all of you,

Thank you for your prayers.

Larry Hackman

David Houim

Dec. 5, 1965 – May 1, 2010

David Wesley Houim, 44, of Rugby, died at the Trinity Medical Center in Minot, North Dakota, on Saturday, May 1, 2010, from complications related to injuries he suffered during a tree cutting job on Tuesday, April 27.

David was born Dec. 5, 1965, to Virgil and Frances (Kraft) Houim of Rugby, N.D. He was raised in Rugby and after high school went on to Bismarck State College to complete his training as an electrical lineman. He spent four years working for the Boylston Municipality in Massachusetts before returning to Rugby, the community that was always home to him.

On April 29, 1989, he and Nancy Heilman were married at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby, and made their home in Rugby and started a family of their own. Over the years, many people came to know David through his business, “Dave Houim Tree Service,” and from the rental properties that they owned and managed in Rugby. His wife, Nancy, was always proud of the integrity and honesty that David brought to their businesses.

When away from work, he enjoyed a number of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, canoeing, downhill skiing and particularly camping. He also took great pride in the remodeling jobs that he completed, not only with the rental properties, but his family home as well. We will always remember his trademark laugh and a smile that made you feel at ease when you were with him. He had a great sense of humor and always had time for a good joke or recalling an amusing situation.

David was a man of conviction, committed to doing what was right and instilling that in his children. His kind heartedness was extended to so many people. He was willing to do anything for anybody, even if they were complete strangers. The unfailing devotion he had for his family was even more evident when they went through some difficult days and challenging times. He was always willing to make sacrifices in order to care for his family. They were his priority and they brought a great deal of love and joy to his life.

Survivors include: his wife, Nancy; his children, Joshua, Ashley and Amber, all at home; three sisters, Darlene (Garry) Rose, Rugby, Karen (Stacey) Koster, Mayville, and Carol (Don) Clarkson, Detroit Lakes, Minn.; five brothers, Garry (Lana), Mandan, Donald (Judy), Grandin, Bill (Brenda), Minot, Bob (Monica) and Ken (Kathy), all of Rugby; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Rosanna Heilman, of Portage, Wis.; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Abby, on May 31, 2001; and his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial: Will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, in Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby, with burial in the church cemetery. Fr. Tom Graner will be the Celebrant.

Friends may call today, May 4, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby, and Wednesday, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby. There will be no reviewal in the church on Wednesday.

Rosary and vigil prayers: Will begin at 7 p.m. today in the church.

Music: Little Flower Church Choir.

Casket Bearers: Garry, Donald, Bob, Bill and Ken Houim, Joseph Ramedan, Steve Braaten and Brooks Houim.

Arrangements with Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby.

North Dakota forever:
Posted by Mike & Sandra Zeiler Vandal (62): Elk River, MN

Here’s an article by Chris Jones from a Dec. ’09 issue of Esquire that I thought you might appreciate:

The Emptiest, Loneliest, Highway in America

There are only about 640,000 people in North Dakota. For five hours — unbroken by a pause, a turn, or even a lane change — I was blissfully one of them.

I’ve never believed it’s about the journey; for me, it’s always been the destination that counts. My destination was Montana, so I wanted North Dakota to disappear.

Even before I found myself on the otherwise empty I-94, I’d been told that the 352 miles of four-lane between Fargo and Beach were among the most desperate in the country to cross. Except for Bismarck, rising above the middle of the state, there would be nothing to mark the distance. I’d made things harder on myself by crossing Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin, and Minnesota before I tackled our most barren country. After so much uninterrupted green, my Corolla had already become a kind of sensory-deprivation chamber, like one of those metal tubes in which divers get over the bends. I’d even turned off the radio. (When I caught myself singing along to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” outside Brainerd, I feared permanent damage to my self-esteem.) In Moorhead, I stopped to top off the tank and buy a bag of beef jerky. I had five hours to empty them before North Dakota would fall along with the night. At first, the prairie opened up in a way that made it seem romantically panoramic. Through the dead bugs on my windows, I scanned a massive blue sky and great flats of grass. But after twenty minutes, it all became too overwhelming, too anti-mountain, for my mind to take in anymore. To get by, I tried to home in on the details, catching them the way a climber finds cracks in the face of a rock. I convinced myself that there was a beauty in power lines and the undersides of overpasses. And maybe there was something beautiful about them, those small artifacts of industry. Watching North Dakota’s human landscape pass by was like watching a noble but ultimately futile fight. The sky and the space were always going to win, but there was something in the struggle against them that took hold in me. By the time I’d put Bismarck behind me, its lights just coming on to fend against the semidarkness, it had somehow become about the journey after all. Because how often do we sit for five hours, chewing beef jerky, watching the sun set? In silence? In dreams? It never happens anymore, except in Canadian hospital emergency rooms, but even then, there’s something to watch other than the sunflowers turning west. Without having to make so much as a single lane change, I’d entered the closest thing to a runner’s high that a fat man can feel. I had rolled clean into bliss, my mind as open as the fields around me. Squinting into orange, I thought about those things that we never let ourselves think about — those things that we actively defend ourselves against thinking about by having so much other stuff to look at and listen to. On that godforsaken highway, I had revelations. I witnessed miracles. I saw every mistake I had made. I made peace with my regrets. And then I looked forward, ahead to the first few folds in the earth, to the canyons and the Continental Divide. I saw the rest of what I wanted out there. I saw the battles I still wanted to wage, the people I still wanted to meet and meet again, the trophies I still wanted to hang on my walls. I saw nearly every place I wanted to go between now and the end, and by the time I saw that big blue sign in my headlights, WELCOME TO MONTANA, I saw, too, that I wanted North Dakota to last forever.

Darrel Fassett (DHS 1947) Passed away
Posting from Paula Fassett (’71):  Walhalla, ND

Hello All:

Sadly, this is to let you know that our uncle Darrel Fassett passed away on October 29th. Uncle Darrel was born December 1, 1928, in Dunseith, ND.  In recent years they resided in Hiawassee,  GA, with their daughter Kathy and her husband John. I don’t have enough info…or memory…to write a “proper” obituary….perhaps that will happen later.  Aunt Dorothy asked that I put something in the blog to let friends know of his passing and wants you to know that she is doing well.

If you’d like to send a card, please email or Facebook message me and I will provide you with a mailing address.

Please keep Dorothy and the family in your prayers.

Paula

Gary Stokes Comments
I was very saddened to hear of Darrel’s passing. The last time I saw Darrel was a few years back at the Walmart store in Bottineau, ND. When he tapped me on the shoulder, I was so surprised to see both him and Dorothy. Darrel was a very down to earth, common sense, super friendly and likeable man.  He was well loved by his entire family and his many friends.  He will be missed. With his passing Dorothy and his whole family have my condolences.

1970 – Belcourt Braves
Picture posted by Don Malaterre (’72):  Sioux Falls, SD

I thought Peter Davis was the best player on that team.
Ron Desarlais had a twin named Ray Desarlais who I thought was just as good as Ron.
Larry Dione is missing.
Less Halvorson from Wolford would remember this team.

==============================================
Blog (796) posted on May 7, 2010

Message from Bill Hosmer (48): Tucson, AZ

Gary and Good Friends. I have watched the growth of the attendance list of the May Reunion which is being managed so well by Verina Gillis, who is a miracle all by herself. I have been going back to Lake Metigoshe for twenty years and spent time in Dunseith with my golfing and poker friends over that time. The event which is coming up is just wonderful to know about and I hope that the friendship and loyalty of our entire community gives the attendees a new sense of our common heritage. I won’t be going back to our Hills and Prairies this year because my wife, Pat, is not well enough to travel. By the way, she and I were both born in Rolette in 1930, three weeks apart.

Pat and I wish for a wonderful celebration of a community of folks with a tremendous value system, unmatched anywhere else.

I am proud to have been a part of your heritage and wish for the best of times for all attendees, and those who could not make it. Bill Hosmer

Gary’s comments:

Bill, I am hoping pat’s health will improve in time. We are sorry to hear of her health set backs. You are one guy I was hoping to see too. We’ll have to take a rain check on that. When I get back from the states an on a slower day, I am going to post a rerun of the Dunseith folks replies, with your comments, to the air show you performed over Dunseith in the early 60’s. Gary

Jerry Pladson:
Request from Keith Pladson (66): Stafford, VA

Gary, My brother Jerry would like to be added to your distribution list for the daily messages. He and his wife, Susan (Sue) are also going to attend the reunion dinner. I advised him to contact Verena and since I notice they have now been added to the latest update list, guess he was able to get in touch with her to get that taken care of. Thanks Gary Keith

Jerry & Sue, Yes I saw your names on Verena’s list for attending the reunion. We are excited to see you guys. She also had you listed as living in Fargo. Is that correct? I have added you to our distribution starting with today’s message. Gary

Reposting to include picture that I forgot to attach.
Mrs. Conroy:
Reply from Dick Johnson: Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I think Paula has been holding out on us! That’s a great memory you shared about Mrs. Conroy’s 4th grade. She was my favorite grade school teacher. The other teachers were very good too, but Mrs. Conroy really knew how to make school interesting. The sick room Paula mentioned was also, kind of a library too and was also used now and then for ‘private’ discipline by Mrs. Conroy. There were two doors to the cloak room (sick room) and one was from the hallway balcony. I remember some younger kid tried to slide down the banister and fell over backward, landing on the cast iron radiator in the hallway below. He got hurt but I can’t remember the extent of his injuries anymore. Diane Larson Sjol remembered the shaky fire escape on the back of the school. When I think about it, I don’t think it was really safe to send a full load of kids down there at once. We did it for many fire drills without a problem. Before the school got a new automatic fire alarm system, there was an old hand crank siren on the wall in the downstairs hallway and Mr. Conroy used to crank it for a fire drill. I remember how some of the first graders would start to cry when the siren started. It was an exciting time for the rest of us, we got out of class and went outside for a while! Diane, I never really liked to look down either when I went down the old rickety fire escape. The steps were metal strips and you could see down through them to the ground— a long ways down for a small kid! Paula mentioned the ‘Plaster of Paris’ wall hangings we made in Mrs. Conroy’s crafts (art) class. I’ll attach a picture of the one I gave to my mom for Christmas 1959. I still have it. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Reunion

Folks, This is Verena’s official list of those that have paid. This list is several days old, so there have probably been more added. Please let us know of any discrepancies so they can be corrected. Thanks, Gary

Note: The dead line for payment of the catered dinner is the 14th. That’s one week from today.

Verena’s list of those that have paid.

Condolences

From Connie Halvorson Kester (’64):  Bottineau, ND

So sorry to hear about Garry LaRocque and his sister Shirley’s passing.

I used to visit with Garry at auctions as we both enjoyed going to them.  So sorry for Lana and Ginger.  Lana was a fun classmate of mine. Garry had mentioned that Lana was coming for a visit.  I might have seen her if I had not just had knee surgery myself.

Also, condolences to all of Betty Faine Norman’s family too.  She was also a classmate of mine. I have some great memories of the class of 1964.

Hoping things are going well for you Gary and that Bernadette is able to enjoy some good days.

Connie

Reply to Diane Fugere (’75)
From Allen Richard (’65):  Grand Rapids, MI

To Diane Fugere. I remembered Joy Bashara very well. That is the year I returned to Dunseith and my first-year teaching there. I’m also curious as to what ever happened to her. She was great to work with 1973-74 was a tough year for Dunseith high school.  The front office, with the exception of Lorraine Olson, was a cluster ####.

==============================================
Blog (795) posted on May 6, 2010

Tee Shirt info for those attending the reunion who attended Dunseith schools
Message from Verena Gillis: Dunseith, ND

Information for those that haven’t yet paid: I will be ordering the shirts on Friday of this week, this is the deadline they gave me. If they haven’t sent payment yet for the reunion–they will not be receiving a shirt as there is officially no commitment. I had to earn money for this and I will not be ordering extra.

Verena

Picture request of former Superintendents
From Verena Gillis: Dunseith, ND

Gary, I am trying to get a picture of all the superintendents that have been at DHS. Do you have any idea how this can be done or maybe you might have some of them? I do have Mr. Les Jensen but when I try to get the others they turn out pretty distorted. I would like to use them at the Bingo Barn.

Folks, if any of you have any pictures at all of the any of the former Superintendents, please share.

Thanks, Gary

Dunseith Senior Citizen’s food
Reply from Larry Hackman (66):Bismarck, ND

Gary

I’m thinking a slice of sour cream raisin pie to start things off with. Then a bowl of bullets w/homemade bread with real butter. Haven’t had that for decades. Then finish with another slice of sour cream raisin pie. I suppose I’ll have to pick up a jumbo and take that home in a box.

Sounds like a plan Gary, We’ll see you there!

I hope it warms up and there are some rodents out for the benefit of some of them other classmates of yours. I don’t think the ducks are laying yet either. I’m sure someone will bring down some road kill from the Turtle Mountains that might tempt their pallets?

We’ll see you there.

Larry

Larry, It’s a deal. We’ll meet you at the Dunseith Sr. Citizens for Lunch at 11:00 AM Sunday, May 23rd.

Folks, you are welcome to join us. Gary

Mrs. Conroy:
Reply from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

I think Paula has been holding out on us! That’s a great memory you shared about Mrs. Conroy’s 4th grade. She was my favorite grade school teacher. The other teachers were very good too, but Mrs. Conroy really knew how to make school interesting. The sick room Paula mentioned was also kind of a library too and was also used now and then for ‘private’ discipline by Mrs. Conroy. There were two doors to the cloak room (sick room) and one was from the hallway balcony. I remember some younger kid tried to slide down the banister and fell over backward, landing on the cast iron radiator in the hallway below. He got hurt but I can’t remember the extent of his injuries anymore. Diane Larson Sjol remembered the shaky fire escape on the back of the school. When I think about it, I don’t think it was real safe to send a full load of kids down there at once. We did it for many fire drills without a problem.Before the school got a new automatic fire alarm system, there was an old hand crank siren on the wall in the downstairs hallway and Mr. Conroy used to crank it for a fire drill. I remember how some of the first graders would start to cry when the siren started. It was an exciting time for the rest of us, we got out of class and went outside for a while! Diane, I never really liked to look down either when I went down the old rickety fire escape. The steps were metal strips and you could see down through them to the ground— a long ways down for a small kid! Paula mentioned the ‘Plaster of Paris’ wall hangings we made in Mrs. Conroy’s crafts (art) class. I’ll attach a picture of the one I gave to my mom for Christmas 1959. I still have it. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Additional info to yesterday’s posting of Ronald Oswell’s Passing, son of Leona Metcalfe:
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Vickie & Ardis, I don’t have an email address for Dianne, so could one of you forward this? Please pass along to anyone you think should know or would be interested. I don’t know if anyone has contacted Tiny & Ann Oswell — maybe Travis?

Here is the information from the obituary, which will run in Wednesday’s Seattle Times — www.seattletimes.com

Viewing at Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home May 6th 1-3pm. Graveside May 6th 3pm. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Northwest Junior Pipe Band via paypal at www.nwjpb.org or mail a check to 509 NE 165th St. Shoreline, WA 98155.

Here is the funeral home memorial website: Please note that the time listed for the viewing is incorrect (they put 8 am or something weird. The correct times are in the obit above.

http://www.washelli.com/obits/obituaries.php/obitID/117112

Reunion Name tags

Folks, I have put off one more day for printing out name tags. I will be printing them out tomorrow.

Please check your name and others too for any errors or changes that you’d like made. I will be including your residence and class year/affiliation on your name tags as well.

For those attending without a preprinted name tag, we will be hand printing when they register at the reception desk the day of the reunion.

I will be posting Verena’s list of those that have paid tomorrow.

Note: Several of you replied letting me know that your computer would not display this whole list. There are currently 301 names on this list. If they are not all displayed this list can viewed on our Website under the 2010 message tab http://garystokes.net/default.aspx

Sorted by first name

Lorraine Pritchard Thom Obituary
Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot, ND

(Virginia) Lorraine (Pritchard) Thom

(Virginia) Lorraine Pritchard Tohm, 83, longtime Hereford resident, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2019 at her residence. Funeral services will be Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Joe Andrajack officiating at the Mendez and Mullins Family Funeral Home Chapel and visitation will be Thursday morning from  9:00 AM-12:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services are also scheduled for 10:00 AM, Monday, September 23, 2019, at Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau, North Dakota with visitation one hour prior to service time. Interment will be in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Gardena, North Dakota, beside her husband. Lorraine Pritchard was born in Dunseith, North Dakota, on September 30, 1935, to Robert and Dorothy Pritchard. She was raised on a farm near the Canadian border. Lorraine met and married LeRoy Tohm of Gardena, North Dakota, after he completed his service in USMC during the Korean War. Following their marriage, the couple lived in approximately 14 different cities in western North Dakota while he worked for an oil drilling company. In 1960 they moved to Egeland, North Dakota, where LeRoy farmed for 13 years. In 1973, they moved to Texas where LeRoy accepted a mill manager position with a cattle feed yard in Hereford, Texas. Lorraine was a homemaker who filled her time with various craft activities, including many beautiful crocheted items for family and friends

Lorraine is survived by her children: Virginia Cartwright, Florida, Audrey Rose (Mike), Texas, Jeffrey Tohm, Texas, Debra Pittman (Leon), Arkansas, and Jacqueline Meyers (Mike), Minnesota, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 sisters, Lois Beckman, Colorado, and Carol Corzine, Texas, and 2 brothers, Darold Pritchard, Mississippi, and Dale Pritchard, Louisiana.

 Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one sister, Shirley Zahn, and one brother, John Pritchard

Gary Stokes comments
The Pritchard’s lived one mile south of our farm in the Ackworth community in the Turtle Mountains. Lorraine and her sisters Shirley and Lois were a bit older than me and had left home prior to the time I can remember. There were 7 siblings. The younger 4, Darold, John, Dale and Carol I remember very well. The Pritchard’s had a lot of milk cows and sheep. Each of the kids had their specific chores to do too and they were many. Believe me. Robert was a professional welder and did a lot of welding requests for all of the neighbors. Good neighbors. Good memories.

I extend my condolences to all of Lorraine’s family with her passing.

Reply from Bob Lykins:  Hutto, TX

Gary,

How fortunate you are to have these ladies helping you tend to your wife.  From my memories of my days in the Philippines, such dedication is not at all rare in their culture.  They will be in my prayers tonight.

Bob Lykins

Gary’s comments

Yes Bob, I am blessed. This picture was taken in April when Bernadette was unconscious for 20 days

The Right Place
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

 I grew Up at The Right Place

My thoughts today flashed back to the “Wright Place”.

Land which was located in Willow Lake township which my parents purchased from Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill in the mid 60’s.

I was in the 7^th grade, the year, I “cut my teeth” on the D – John Deere sweep raking hay to  Dad who drove the John Deere Farmhand whilst  stacking hay.  Haying was a big family affair. Everyone had a job   Sisters tramped the hay down in the frame. Early mornings, after milking, Mom planned, prepared meals and lunches.  Everything was home grown or homemade from scratch.

The first hay put up was the tame hay; alfalfa, sweet clover, Timothy or Brome grass. Hay from the meadows  was last of haying. It was put up after the hot summer sun dried the soft moist meadow soil to a firmness.  Pugnant meadow hay  triggered frequent sneezes, coughs,  and watering eyes amongst all of us..

The Wright Place Hay meadows  due to distance and  navigating its  hillside were always the last.

We were in Allelulah happy stage then!

My Dad was wonderful thoughtful father who shared stories and would talk about feelings.

But hay season brought out the worst in him ….“stress hollering” .  (He’d take time off from plastering to get the haying done.   The farm depended on the livestock, who depended on hay.)

Dad used his strong arm muscles to manually, forcefully crank the D-John Deere  to get it started.  And once started it was never shut off until the end of the day.  The smell of gas permeated the air.

One hot afternoon down in the depth of a  still, stifling, warm, meadow there was absolutely no breeze. Dad ‘s stress got to him, motioned signals with his hands.  I didn’t understand. He hollered and became more animated!

I felt FRUSTRATED . Whaaat?? turn ..?…left… back up…push hay toward, turn around slow down?  Whaaat?”

Finally, I stood up on that D- John Deere.  Hollering back. “I have had enough!”   “I don’t know what those hand motions mean.!”

I pulled the clutch which killed the power.

Stiff muscles, I crawled off that D- and started walking, never looking back.

I walked thoughts stormed across my mind.

“I am running away but I don’t know where to go, but it won’t be home!”

”Dad  is either going to beat my butt…”

“or he won’t do a thing  just let me go…..”

and I …I will not be able to go home again.”

In the hot summer sun, I felt a cold fear ”I knew he would never  beat me.  The stark fear. “Where will I go” I can’t go home again.”

Dad stopped the farm hand.  And came from behind. He walked beside me.

I said, “I don’t understand hand signals, I don’t like hollering. I’m done!”

I felt,total surprised hearing words spoken in kindness.

He said, “Vickie I am so sorry I hollered.”

“I love you”.  ‘I am sorry I hurt your feelings. Would you please forgive me.?” I nodded.

Snottering, I crawled  back on the D.

I wasn’t  a  bit  feeling guilty while he worked to get the  D- engine turning over. I knew our relationship had changed

Dad and I  strengthened and forged  into something  special; deep understanding, mutual respect, appreciation and forgiveness.

I grew up at the Wright Place.

Until Later,

Vickie L. Metcalfe
September 16, 2019

PS To all the former DHS choir members, In closure, do you recall Mr. Johnson leading us in the Fall song below. Does the melody is play in your head too?.

Lyrics …”Autumn Leaves Start to Fall”

The falling leaves drift by my window
.The falling leaves of red and gold
.I see your lips the summer kisses.
The sunburned hands I used to hold.

Since you went away the days grow long.
And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song.
But I miss you most of all my darling.
When autumn leaves start to fall.

Since you went away the days grow long.
And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song.
But I miss you most of all my darling.
When autumn leaves start to fall.

I miss you most of all my darling.
When autumn leaves start to fall.

Songwriters: UNKNOWN

==============================================
Blog (791) posted on May 3, 2010
Update from DeAnn Gottbreth O’hare: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanngottbreht

Only two weekly Chemo treatments left! Patrick’s dad brought me down for my latest treatment on Friday while Connor stayed with Grandma Jan. All the help from our family is greatly appreciated. I don’t know what we would do without them! The chemo is running me down more and more so I am looking forward to a break. I will switch to one treatment every 3 weeks after I finish these next two treatments so that will be nice. Hopefully the side effects of the chemo will be easier then. I meet with my doctor again this week when I go for my treatment to make our final plans for my future treatments. It will also be nice to spend more time at home as a family. All this traveling really runs me down.

Connor had his 2 month appointment at his Pediatrician’s Office this last Monday. He was up to 8lbs 10oz already! He is growing so well. Of course he looks more like a newborn than a 2 month old but he is filling out nicely. He had his shots that day as well and he only cried right when the nurses gave him the shots so it wasn’t so bad. I didn’t even cry this time while I watched and his daddy comforted him afterwards so Connor was just fine. Connor is still only eating about 2-3 ounces every 3 hours but I’m hoping to start increasing it some so he will maybe sleep a little longer in between feeding. I really enjoy those times when he sleeps for more than an hour at a time! His reflux will be a problem for probably the first year of his life but we have plenty of burp rags and bibs to keep up with it. Doing his laundry will definitely keep me busy.

Thanks again everyone for all of your cards, gifts, and support. We appreciate you all so much. It has been quite a journey but things are improving, life is getting better every week!

Mark Peltier (84):

Gary,

Please include Mark Peltier (1984) graduate to your list.

His email is

Thank you

Mark, It is my pleasure to add you to our distribution list. Doing a find for your name I found locations for you in Dunseith, Anchorage, Kirkland & Seattle. I’m assuming you are living in one of those places? It looks like you have lived a lot of same places as Larry St. Claire? Gary

Pictures from the achieves:

Hubert Allery DHS class of 52

Marlin Williams DHS class of 55
Born July 10, 1935 – Deceased April 6, 2003

Marlin (55)/Doris Peterson (53) Williams Family

City of Dunseith

Posted by Larry Liere (55):  Devils Lake, ND

Last Sunday we drove to Bottineau but had some extra time so we drove into Dunseith just to look around.  WOW I thought Devils Lake had a lot of parking lots from buildings being taken down but I don’t know when Dunseith went on their building removal project.  The only two buildings left on main street from when I lived there were the Gambles Store and the theatre or show hall as we called it back then.  There is a bar where the creamery was but I could not tell if it is the old creamery made over or a new building.  Our old house still looks about the same and the new school looks nice from the outside.  I think they should have saved the old corner stone garage just to save that kind of construction as a part of history.  Anyway it was sad to see so much of main street as vacant lots.   We have Grandparents at the Dunseith Cemetery so we stopped there to see their graves and I must say Dunseith does a wonderful job of keeping up their cemetery.  It is very nice and has a beautiful view.

I guess this is just the same story of all small towns USA.

Hope your wife is doing well.

LARRY

Happy 101st  birthday to Mrs. Wesley Schneider.
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Hello Gary and Dunseith Alumni Friends,     

             I carry  many fond memories of  neighbors, Wes and Ovidia; walking and in-hand  to their garden. saying simple prayer before  their meals, and  sharing simple gifts of friendship and concern.

            I’ve been told by many  community people who  have known her better than I  through the years;  Ovidia  Schneider truly exemplifies, “kindness unto itself.

            Wishing you the best, dear Ovida! 

Your friend,

Vickie L. Metcalfe    

September 20, 2019

Ovidia Schneider 101 years old
Picture/message posted by Karen Larson (Bottineau Spectrum):  Bottineau, ND

Hello Gary,

Vicki suggested I send you this.  Mom is in the Rolette Community Care Center.  Her birthday was Thursday the 19th.

Karen

Gary’s Comment
Karen, Your mother looks wonderful. Please give her our regards and wish her happy birthday from us too. 

The Right Place
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Friends of Dunseith Alumni,

 I grew Up at The Right Place 

My thoughts today flashed back to the “Wright Place”.

Land which was located in Willow Lake township which my parents purchased from Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill in the mid 60’s.

I was in the 7^th grade, the year, I “cut my teeth” on the D – John Deere sweep raking hay to  Dad who drove the John Deere Farmhand whilst  stacking hay.  Haying was a big family affair. Everyone had a job   Sisters tramped the hay down in the frame. Early mornings, after milking, Mom planned, prepared meals and lunches.  Everything was home grown or homemade from scratch.

The first hay put up was the tame hay; alfalfa, sweet clover, Timothy or Brome grass. Hay from the meadows  was last of haying. It was put up after the hot summer sun dried the soft moist meadow soil to a firmness.  Pugnant meadow hay  triggered frequent sneezes, coughs,  and watering eyes amongst all of us..

The Wright Place Hay meadows  due to distance and  navigating its  hillside were always the last.

We were in Allelulah happy stage then!

My Dad was wonderful thoughtful father who shared stories and would talk about feelings.

But hay season brought out the worst in him ….“stress hollering” .  (He’d take time off from plastering to get the haying done.   The farm depended on the livestock, who depended on hay.)

Dad used his strong arm muscles to manually, forcefully crank the D-John Deere  to get it started.  And once started it was never shut off until the end of the day.  The smell of gas permeated the air.

One hot afternoon down in the depth of a  still, stifling, warm, meadow there was absolutely no breeze. Dad ‘s stress got to him, motioned signals with his hands.  I didn’t understand. He hollered and became more animated!

I felt FRUSTRATED . Whaaat?? turn ..?…left… back up…push hay toward, turn around slow down?  Whaaat?”

Finally, I stood up on that D- John Deere.  Hollering back. “I have had enough!”   “I don’t know what those hand motions mean.!”

I pulled the clutch which killed the power.

Stiff muscles, I crawled off that D- and started walking, never looking back.

I walked thoughts stormed across my mind.

“I am running away but I don’t know where to go, but it won’t be home!”

”Dad  is either going to beat my butt…”

“or he won’t do a thing  just let me go…..”

and I …I will not be able to go home again.”

In the hot summer sun, I felt a cold fear ”I knew he would never  beat me.  The stark fear. “Where will I go” I can’t go home again.”

Dad stopped the farm hand.  And came from behind. He walked beside me.

I said, “I don’t understand hand signals, I don’t like hollering. I’m done!”

I felt,total surprised hearing words spoken in kindness.

He said, “Vickie I am so sorry I hollered.”

“I love you”.  ‘I am sorry I hurt your feelings. Would you please forgive me.?” I nodded.

Snottering, I crawled  back on the D.

I wasn’t  a  bit  feeling guilty while he worked to get the  D- engine turning over. I knew our relationship had changed

Dad and I  strengthened and forged  into something  special; deep understanding, mutual respect, appreciation and forgiveness.

I grew up at the Wright Place.

Until Later,

Vickie L. Metcalfe
September 16, 2019

PS To all the former DHS choir members, In closure, do you recall Mr. Johnson leading us in the Fall song below. Does the melody is play in your head too?.

Lyrics …”Autumn Leaves Start to Fall”

 The falling leaves drift by my window
.The falling leaves of red and gold
.I see your lips the summer kisses.
The sunburned hands I used to hold.

Since you went away the days grow long.
And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song.
But I miss you most of all my darling.
When autumn leaves start to fall.

Since you went away the days grow long.
And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song.
But I miss you most of all my darling.
When autumn leaves start to fall.

I miss you most of all my darling.
When autumn leaves start to fall.

==============================================
Blog (792) posted on May 4, 2010

Dave Houim Passed Away. This came from Ann/Denise Keplin. Neola
Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Please pray for the Houim family in Rugby. Dave Houim died on Saturday after surgery for injuries sustained in a fall. Dave was the husband of Nancy Houim, she is a TECite and made Life in the Spirit, a truly wonderful person. Dave is also the father of Ashley Houim who made TEC in Belcourt this past year.

Dunseith Schools Superintendents Picture
Posted by Don Martel (Former Principle): Rosemount, MN

Don has shared photos with you. Hope this helps with your didplay, and we are still looking for pictures of Mr. Conroy. Don & Colleen (Conroy) Martel

Turtle Mountain Country School Reunion 
Posted by Linda Gardner: Vienna, VA

Hi Gary – was wondering if you would mind posting a reminder about the country school reunion. Have been receiveing many, many inquiries so just want to remind everyone the deadline is June 1!

Thanks!

Turtle Mountain Country School Reunion

 The Turtle Mountain Country School Reunion will be held on July 10, 2010, at the Twin Oaks Resort & Convention Center at Lake Metigoshe.Anyone who attended a country school in the Turtle Mountains or who wants to celebrate an educational life style of the past is welcome to attend.The cost is $42.00 per person.Reservations and advance payment are required.June 1, 2010, is the deadline to submit registration information and payment.Registration information 

www.bottineau.com (News Releases page http://www.bottineau.com/countryschoolreunion.htm).Please contact Linda Gardner at 703/636-6392, lgardner9@cox.net(email), or

3059 Sugar Lane,Vienna,VA,22181

, for additional information.

Registration will begin at 3 PM; Social Hour 4-6:30 PM and dinner will be served from 6:30 – 8 PM.Please come and share this special time of celebration.

Free Admission to the Peace Garden this Sunday:
Posted By Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Taken from www.peacegarden.com.

May 9: Mother’s Day: Free Gate Admission, Plant, Green House Tour & Entertainment.

For your enjoyment, the Lund Family performing: Country Gospel, Blue Grass, Old Time Country and a Special Song for mothers. Sign-up and draws. 2:00 p.m. in the Burdick Performing Arts Center.

Sunday Buffet: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding & Gravy, Oven Roast Potato, Mixed Vegetables, Vegetarian Lasagna, Oven Roast Chicken, Dinner Roll, Tossed Salad- 3 dressings,

Greek Salad, Macaroni Salad, Jelled Salad, Pickles

Dessert-Fruit cup, carrot cake

$13.00 – Children under the age of 12 yrs. @ .75 per yr.

Season Pass discounted $5.00 Today $20.00

Gary Stokes Note:

With my recent busy schedule, I have been not gotten these blogs posted in a timely fashion. I just noticed that I have not posted the last two on our Website either. I will get those posted today along with today’s

I recently upgraded my “MS office Home and Business 2010” to ‘2019”. Not much change but Microsoft will discontinue support for “MS Office 2010” next year. I use “MS Office Outlook” to manage all of my email. I juggle 7 email accounts for posting all my email. They are all good email addresses for me too. So don’t get confused. I see replies and message sent to all of them.

Siblings: Gary LaRocque and Shirley LaRocque Wendt Passed away.
Posted by Ginger LaRocque Poitra (’65):  Belcourt, ND

Gary LaRocque (DHS ‘67)
Good morning Gary,

I have very sad news. Our brother Garry LaRocque has passed away, very unexpectedly. We believe this past Saturday 9-21-19, he was alone at his home in Dunseith. He was 70 years old.

Ginger Poitra class of ’65

Shirley LaRocque Wendt (DHS ‘59)
Gary,

I am letting you know that my sister, Shirley (LaRocque) Wendt went to join our brother Garry yesterday, just 6 days after he left us to be with our Lord.

My sister Joann went on ahead in 2012.

My sister Lana and myself are left to carry on with whatever we need do before our Lord calls us away from this earth.

It is a bad time for all of us. Not only did Lana and myself lose our brother and sister but on the same day our sister Shirley left us our Aunt Letty LaRocque went to be with our Lord.

Garry left us September 21, 2019 ( would have been class of 1967 )

Shirley left us September 27, 2019 ( Class of 1959 )

Aunt Letty left us September 27, 2019

Ginger class of 1965

Gary Stokes Comment:
So sorry Ginger for your loss of Gary and Shirley and your Aunt Letty too.  So close together too. I know you are a very close family and were very close to all of them too. My condolences are with you and all of your family.

Betty Faine Norman (DHS ’64) Passed away
Message posting and Obit posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith Alumni,

Heartfelt sympathy to the Faine family on the passing of Betty.

It was a privilege for me to work with Betty in the Dunseith School System.

She loved her entire family so much. And I admired how she was totally in love with her husband Duane.

Betty had an expressive face, twinkling eyes and oft times find her wearing a happy glowing smile which a person could not help but find contagious. and walk away happy.. She could also be assertive in expressing her thoughts and opinion.

She was proud of who she was.  I recall her as, an avid Elvis fan   distraught on his passing.

May she rest gently in peace.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe
October 3, 2019

Betty Ann Norman | 1945 – 2019 | Obituary

Betty Ann Norman
March 10, 1945 – September 29, 2019

Betty Ann Norman, age 74 of Dunseith, died Sunday at a Minot hospital.  Her funeral will be held on Friday, October 4, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Ascend Church in Bottineau.

Betty Ann Norman, a daughter of August and Alice (LeDeaux) Faine, was born on March 10, 1945 at Belcourt.  She was raised at Dunseith and graduated from Dunseith High School.  She then attended college in Sacramento, CA.  She married Duane Norman.  Betty worked at Rolette County Social Service in Rolla.  She later worked at Dunseith Public Schools as a secretary and a librarian.

Betty passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at a Minot hospital.

She is survived by he sisters, Patty Lozensky and Alice Christopherson of Dunseith; brothers, Linus and John Faine of Dunseith and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane; her parents, August and Alice; sisters, Margaret and Delores; brothers-in-law, Jesse Christopherson and Daniel Lozensky: a niece, Wendy and nephew, Linus.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau

Dunseith School bus hits Moose. Curt Halvorson (’59) Driver
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

School bus carrying girls’ volleyball team hits moose in Ramsey County

By Joshua Peguero |
Posted: Fri 9:02 AM, Oct 04, 2019  |
Updated: Fri 11:45 AM, Oct 04, 2019

RAMSEY COUNTY, N.D. (Valley News Live) A school bus carrying a girls volleyball team crashed into a moose that was standing on the road in Ramsey County.

The accident happened Thursday at 9:35 p.m. along Highway 2 three miles east of Crary, according to North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Curtiss Halvorson, 78, was driving the 2019 International School Bus and he wasn’t injured.

Troopers said the bus suffered significant front-end damage yet Halvorson was able to drive it safely to a stop.

There were 25 students on the bus and two of them were checked for possible injures, but they weren’t hurt.

Dunseith Public Schools issued a statement Thursday night that the girls were returning from a volleyball game at the time of the accident.

“There are no injuries and everyone is ok, thank goodness!”

==============================================
Blog (793) posted on May 5, 2010

Tour the Rolette County Museum on Friday, May 21st
From Mel Kuhn (70): St. John, ND.

Gary,

Dick and I were talking and if anyone that is coming home for the reunion would be interested we would open the Rolette County Museum in St. John for people to go through. Friday the 21st. works best for us. We would just have to pick a time. We don’t have it open for the season yet so we may come across some dust.

Mel

Folks,

We have decided on the time to be 1:00 PM

Thank you so much Mel & Dick for doing this for us.

What a great opportunity for us that Mel and Dick are doing enabling us to see this site.

We’ll see you guys there at 1:00 PM on Friday, the 21st.

Gary

I found this on the Net. Gary

  One of the most interesting sites in Rolette County is the Rolette County Historical grounds located on the south edge of St. John as you come into town from the South. It consists of 12 lots, part of which is surrounded by a chain link fence.

The Rolette County Historical Society was organized by a small group of interested people in 1974. Its goal and purpose as an active organization is to help preserve some of the relics of the early pioneers–historical monuments, landmarks, buildings, etc., that have historical value. The initial grounds were donated to the Society in 1975 by the Mill Lake Cemetery Association and consisted, at that time, of 6 lots and the Mill Lake Lutheran Church, which was built in 1911. There are now several buildings on the site; the Church, a little one-room school house which dates back to early 1900’s; a little pioneer log cabin; a display building containing many different memorabilia; another display building with larger antique machinery; an immigration building, toy shop, boxcar, caboose, and an outdoor stage.

Dunseith Sr. Citizens will be serving lunch on Sunday May 23rd.
Posted by Jackie Peterson Hansen: St. John, ND

 Folks, Jackie’s parents are Jack (deceased) & Nettie Peterson.

 Jackie, this is wonderful that the Sr. Citizens are doing this for the community and those of us visiting the area. In 2007 they had some of the best home baked goodies ever. Their pies were out of this world. I had several plus pieces. I was reminded of this by non other than Larry Hackman. Larry we’ll have to pay them a visit again for some more of those great home baked goodies if they’ll be serving them again. Bernadette and I plan on attending the Sr. Center for lunch on Sunday May 23rd. This is another great opportunity to see more of the Dunseith Alumni folks. Thank you so much Jackie for this posting. Gary

From: jackie hansen Phone: 701 477 5780 E-mail: jackie.hansen@sendit.nodak.edu Message: Would you please post this for my mom {Nettie) and other Sr. Citizens: A lunch is being served at the Sr. Citizens’ Center on May 23, starting at 11:00 AM. The seniors in the community welcome visiting alumni as well as those from the area.

Baptismal of Connor O’Hara, DeAnn Gottbreht’s son:
Message from DeAnn Gottbreht O’Hara: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/deanngottbreht

We are going to be getting Connor baptized on Saturday May 15th at 11am at Peace Lutheran Church in Dunseith, ND. All are welcome. We will be having a meal afterwards at the church. Thanks Cheryl for the reminder to get it posted on here. Take care everyone

The Conroy’s
Reply from Paula Fassett (71): North Branch, MN

Thanks to Don Martel for the great photo of the principals – brings back memories! I wonder if Don & Colleen have photos of Mrs. Conroy, too, that they would like to share? I remember learning to count money in her 4th grade class by playing “store” with a cash register and toy money – buying cans of soup, etc. that she had brought from home just for that purpose. We had singing in her classroom on Fridays – with Mrs. Elsie Schneider coming in to play the piano. Mrs. Conroy also had the best arts & crafts – we made candles, plaster wall-hangings, corsages for Mom at Christmas and grew petunias in paper cups for Mother’s Day. She also read aloud to the class every day after noon hour – “Little House On the Prairie” was always my favorite.

And remember the “sick room” between the 3rd and 4th grade rooms – upstairs in the old Dunseith School building. I think we hung our coats in there and I remember lots of bookshelves, but there was a bed in there so if you got sick there was a place to go until the bus came, or your mom came to get you………..

Paula Fassett-Pfuhl

Joy Bashara (Teacher)
Question from Diane Fuger (75): Minot, ND.

Gary:

I have a question for the class of ’75. Does anyone remember Ms. Bashara (sp?) or know where she is nowadays?

Diane Fugere

Ronald Oswell, son of Leona Metcalfe, passed away:
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Ronald George Oswell August 07, 1947 – May 01, 2010

Ron Oswell passed away May 1, 2010. He was born in Seattle on August 7, 1947 to George and Leona (Metcalfe) Oswell. Ron grew up in Seattle, and graduated from Shorecrest High School, where he was the school’s first bagpiper and gave himself the rank of Pipe Major. He attended Shoreline Community College before receiving his draft notice in 1967, precipitating his enlistment in the U.S. Army, where he served four years in the Army Security Agency. [He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967, serving four years in the Army Security Agency] He also served four years in the Army Reserve, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer II. He married Christine Gaston, a former Shorecrest Pipe Band member, in Basle, Switzerland on November 10, 1970. After returning to Seattle in spring 1971, he worked in construction, first as a union carpenter, then as a foreman, and in due time as a superintendent. He was generous with these carpentry skills, helping family and friends with household projects. Ron always had many interests, and was talented in many areas. He had a beautiful tenor voice, and learned musical instruments easily. He had a lifelong love of photography, and always had a darkroom to work in, wherever he lived. In recent years, he was working to master PhotoShop. He also continued his interest in bagpiping and things Scottish. He played with the Washington Scottish Pipe Band for many years and was a very good piper. He also spent time over the years dirt biking and trap shooting. He coached a girls’ soccer team for 15 years, bringing a core group through three team name changes and from mod soccer to high school graduation. He always dreamed of owning a Harley Davidson motorcycle, and finally purchased a beautiful bike a few years ago that was his pride and joy. He always had a big smile on his face as he drove into the driveway after a ride. Ron is survived by his wife Chris, and two children, Bergman, born in 1974, and Katie born in 1978. Also by his brother Ken Oswell and sister-in-law Carol.

Funeral Information

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 10:00 to 8:00 PM in the family service suite in Evergreen Washelli. Graveside service at 3:00 PM in Evergreen Memorial Park.

Gary, Ron has many Metcalfe cousins in Turtle Mtn.area. Ron Oswell was a kind, compassionate, honest ,hard working man, with a wonderful sense of humor. Aunt Leona at times, when he was 17 often slipped and called him Cliff. She felt he was alot like my dad at that age. Each of my nephews and nieces met and spent good times with him. He always took time to get to know and mentor kids. Ron was also a double first cousin to the children of Emil and Ann (Oswell) Metcalfe. Our family mourns.

Reply to Pastor Orval Moren’s Status
From Bob Hosmer (56):  Ponoka, Alberta

Pastor Orval Moren served as pastor of Dunseith Lutheran Parish back in the 1960s.  He’s a good friend of mind during those years and we have kept in contact with each other both by phone and email.  But now is under nursing home care.  Was he also your pastor at Salem Lutheran?

Gary’s Comment
Bob: Pastor Moren was never pastor of Salem and Metigoshe Lutheran.

Dinner at Denny’s in the Robinson Galleria Mall in Cebu, Philippines  last night.

Bernadette hit her high point since having been unconscious for 20 days in April and is steadily declining. Several weeks ago she could walk on her own. Now she needs total assistance for walking and virtually everything else too. As long as we are able to get her in the car, we try to eat out most every night. Our three Helpers/caregivers take turns going with us. I could never do it alone.

Tata, Mirasol and Marites are god sends sent from heaven.

==============================================
Blog (790) posted on May 2, 2010

Reply from Blanche Wicks Schley (42): Grand Forks, ND.

The couple at the end of this message are one handsome couple…you both look so relaxed and enjoying retirement. Have a wonderful life. I enjoy the daily items, even though I don’t know the people…recognize the last names. Having left Dunseith in 1938, it is interesting to read about the school and community changes in that time. I have been to only one of the all school reunions. I note that many people say that their day starts with reading your daily alumni news. The stories that are told by everyone would really make an interesting book. Keep up this project … You have certainly have a great following!

Blanche Schley

Thank you Blanche for the nice compliment. Bernadette does take good pictures and always looks great. On my part, pictures can be deceiving. Yes we are relaxed and enjoying retirement. I’ll tell you a little something. Bernadette and I were counting the days leading to our retirement here in the PI so we could enjoy all the inexpensive services that are available in this country. Now with everything being done for us, that leaves a lot of time to really do nothing. We went from overload to nothing. That isn’t all necessarily a good thing. I have managed to keep pretty busy with what I’m doing, but Bernadette does, at times, have a lot of extra time on her hands. CSI reruns get a little old. Gary

Celia Walter Story:
From Vickie Metcalfe (68): Bottineau, ND.

Gary,

Next week is Mother’s Day.

Yesterday, I was moving files and came across a story of my mom’s of Celia Walter. Mom and I wrote the story at the request of Celia’s granddaughter. I noticed on Verena’s list this morning the name Erna Walter Pederson. I don’t recall Erna, but my mom’s recollection of Celia was of a proud, devoted mom . I’d like to share the following story written about Ceila.

Charlotte Metcalfe’s, Remembrances of Celia Hackman Walter

Charlotte (Lamb) Metcalfe grew up one mile west of the Hackman family on old unpaved Highway 43. Celia’s family home was also directly across the road from Charlotte’s grandmother, Elizabeth Wicks, with whom Charlotte frequently stayed with.

Celia,was nine years older than Charlotte. Charlotte said, “Celia was kind and fun to be around.” 

Charlotte recollects when she was about 5, going across the road to visit Celia and her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Hackman. Celia’s mother, was a short plump lady and Celia, was the baby girl of the family. 

Mrs. Hackman would sew dresses for herself and Celia. There was no electricity, so the sewing was probably done on a pedal sewing machine and/or by hand. Celia and her mother would save the fabric scraps and sew doll clothes for Charlotte’s dolls.

Stohl or Long Lake which it is known now, was adjacent to the Hackman’s. The east side was a nice swimming place where sometimes,Celia would take Charlotte wading.

Hilltop School was located 1 mile north and 1/2 miles east of the Hackman Place. About the summer of Charlotte’s first grade at Hilltop School, Celia and her cousin, Antoinette Deitrich were brushing up on studies to complete the final eighth grade exams.

Celia had a horse which she rode bareback. Often she would hitch up the horse to a cutter in the winter or a cart in the summer. She would drive the horse to school. That summer she gave Floyd and Charlotte rides to and from school whenever they stayed with their Grandma Wicks.

Sometimes, Celia would take her horse and buggy to her Grandpa Deitrich’s or Uncle Henrys to get chicken feed. Charlotte say’s, “Celia would invite me to go along. We just went riding along, it was an adventure to go with her, Celia’s Grandfather’s seemed so far away.”

Charlotte remembers a few years later going with some other youth, to visit Celia at her home. She was then married to Ed Walter. They were living close to Kelvin Store and Ed was working for Cook’s. Celia had a tiny, small, cute baby girl, her name was Erna.

In later years Charlotte said she would visit with Celia at Peace Lutheran Church. Many times, Celia would be quietly washing dishes for church functions

Charlotte said, after her passing on March 30,2005, “Celia was always a friend, and I’ll miss her. She always made me happy to see her.”

Written for Patsy Walter Mogk, on her Grandma Celia’s passing.__by Charlotte Metcalfe

Vickie L. Metcalfe written on March 31, 2005

Vickie, I was glad to see Erna Walter’s name on our reunion list too. Erna knew my Dad’s family pretty well. She lived with my Dad’s brother Emil and his wife Lillian for several years in the foot hills of the Turtle mountains NE of Bottineau. She was teaching school at the time. That would have been in the 1956/57 time frame. I remember Erna living with them. I was only about 10 years old at the time. I had totally forgotten she had lived with Emil/Lillian until she brought it to my attention when I got in contact with her putting class lists together. Erna is currently living in Minot. Gary

Tommy Belgarde’s passing:
Reply from Claudette McLeod (80): Dunseith, ND

Gary, Yes, it is Tommy Belgarde the musician. It was a very sad day in our community, Tommy was the son of the late Jimmy and Emma Belgarde. His brothers were Rene and Clifford, he had others as well but Rene and Clifford lived her all their lives.

 Claudette McLeod

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: Bottineau & Minot, ND.

Pastor Orval Moren  Status
Posted by Debbie Higgins:   

Note from Dick Johnson (’68):
Orval Moren was the pastor of Dunseith Lutheran in the early to mid 60’s before the merger or Dunseith, Rendahl, and Little Prairie.

Hi,

This email is being sent by Debbie Higgins, Orval’s Daughter. Many of you have called and asked about Dad, so I thought I would send a blast email and update everyone… I apologize if you are sent this incorrectly or in multiples. Its Dads address book and I have no idea who he knows, and in what way you are connected to his life…  If I have left someone off please forward this to them too. Please do not use these addresses for any other purpose.

Dad has recovered from 3 serious hospitalizations for pneumonia and congestive heart failure since February. They have taken a toll on his body and mind. He is fragile but still in good spirits.  He has moments of clarity, and a lot of memory issues. He completely lost his hearing in this left ear,and half in his right ear, in a battle with infection in March. But his hear aid in the right still serves him well.

We helped him sell his house in June to his next door neighbor and dear friend Debbie Dickinson. He is now living at the Ambassador Good Samaritan Care Center in New Hope. 8100 Medicine Lake Road, New Hope MN 55427

Currently he is unable to walk and in a wheel chair. He recently recovered from a fractured ankle bone (and the required boot for the last 10 weeks).  It would appear that he is fading a little more everyday.   He misses my mom, Bernell so much. Dad is experiencing the typical loneliness and isolation that can come with his situation and he always enjoys visits and phone calls from friends and family.

If you desire to send a letter, or note to the care center, we do read them to him.  If you desire to visit, he does enjoy it, may manage for 15- 30 minutes but might lose track of things a little.  He also may not remember you have been there. He keeps his cell phone near his bed.  If you can’t reach him, please leave a message and we will read or play it back to him. There is a visitors note book on his dresser if you choose to share that you visited.  It allows us to try to help him relive some of the friends and family that have come.  Thank you for your continued care, prayers and love to dad as he continues to live out his days.

We will not be responding to this email or Dads email account. You may forward questions, greeting or notes to my sister, Becky Calhoun at her email, zip55123@hotmail.com. She will respond instead.

Peace and blessings.  Love from all of us. Jon, Becky, Debbie, Mary Beth and families
Facebook message from Lee Stickland (’64): Dickinson, ND

Posted by Neola Kofoid Garbe: neolag@min.midco.net Minot, ND

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Blog (790) posted on May, 2010

Thomas Belgrade’s funeral notice:

THOMAS BELGARDE, 51, Belcourt, died Thursday in a Minot hospital. Funeral Wednesday, 10 a.m., St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Belcourt. Visitation Tuesday, 6 p.m., rosary service Tuesday, 8 p.m., both in the church. (Elick Funeral Home, Rolla)

Reply to Tommy Belgarde (Deceased)
From Denise Lajimodiere: Moorhead, MN

Tommy Belgarde the musician?

Denise

Condolences to the Tommy Belgarde Family:
From Dianne Rober’t Johnson (76): Rolla, ND

Morning Gary,

I seen the posting regarding Tommy.

I remember Tommy (& Clifford) from when I lived on the farm out by St. Anthony’s. We use to ride the horses to Pigeons alot and would pass by their house. Also, remember going to dances where Tommy’s band was playing. Those were the good old days!

My condolences go out to Tommy’s families, he will be surely missed.

Dianne (Rober’t) Johnson

Memories of Tommy Belgarde:
From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary,

MUSIC.

Through the passing of each season, I revert to music. Yesterday, I when visiting with a class of students,who did not know about an old tradition of knocking at doors and giving flowers on May first. …… Myself? I ‘d first heard about May Day from Mrs.Florence Conroy.

While discussing May 1st. I began singing…… “Awake Awake Oh Pretty Maids Awake Out of your Drowsy Dream..and Step into your dairy house to fetch a bowl of cream………..” . My thoughts were of our gifted music teacher who introduced the Dunseith High School choir that song. I continue to always be amazed when melodies and the words are remembered just as our gifted teacher…….Mr. Don Johnson.

Saddened, I am to hear of the passing of Tommy Belgarde. Tommy also a truly gifted musician. (Tommy’s dad grew up in the hills north of Dunseith, neighbors to the Metcalfe’s at Rabbit City Lake…………and he in the foothills)

Many, many times, my cousin, Janice and Raphael hired Tommy’s band to play at Kelvin Klinic. My parents, along with Kelvin filled with many neighbors and folks enjoyed listening to Tommy appreciating his sense of timing and danced to his band. Ah……. those two-steps, fox trots and waltzes. (Do you remember the dancing at Kelvin Dorothy Pritchard? As I recall, She, and her husband could and would dance most of the evening.)

It was Turtle Mountain Metis’ Music at it’s best! Many weekends, I’d venture to the home farm from teaching in Montana just in time to take mom and dad dancing. Usually, upon seeing my dad,walk through the door with his white cane, Jimmie LaRocque would say to Tommy,” Let’s play one for Cliff. Tommy and the band accompanied Jimmie while he’d double string fiddled , I’d stand to be dad’s touch point while he’d clogged and jigged.

God Bless those dear hearts and gentle souls who made the music which carries on. Many Thanks. Vickie

Bryan Schimetz’s (77) Funeral cast:
From Mark Schimetz (70): Rolette, ND.

Gary This is a copy of Bryan Schimetz’s Funeral cast . Gary Fulsebakke sang several songs and very heartfelt and powerfully moving, This young man can really sing spiritual songs. I first heard Gary sing at his mothers 90th birthday party at Good Sam’s in Bottineau. I remember Gary saying that his mother, Midge, loved to sing gospel songs around the house and Gary loved to sing along with her. Judy Allard also sang very well. I will try to get a copy of the Obituary, which I left behind in Dunseith. I know some of his friends could not make it. So I will also try to get some miscellaneous photos of Bryans life to you at that time.

Thanks Gary for all that you do for us Fans of this blog.

Reunion – May 22nd

Folks, Verena’s list, below, is her master list and the official master list for those that have paid. Please reply with any discrepancy’s or omissions that you see so they can be corrected.

She will only be ordering T-shirts, Next week, for those that attended Dunseith schools that have paid when she sends the order in. She is unsure of those attending the reunion that have not paid, so will not be ordering T-shirts for those folks.

For the catered dinner, Verena needs your payment no later than May 14th.

For those of you desiring the catered meal, please send your payment of $10.00 Plus $5.00 ($15.00 total) per person payable to

Pictures
I have attached all pictures that are pasted below.
Not everyone is able to view pictures posted in the body of my email message.

Passing of Mary Rose Morin
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe(’70):  Bottineau, ND

Dear Alice Renault,  Gary and Alumni  friends of Dunseith  Public School,

I offer sympathy to  former  Dunseith Elementary co-worker, Alice Renault on the passing of her sister Mary Rose.

May you find the  warmth of comfort  Alice,  in your  unending  faith,  your loving family and friends.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe
August 20, 2019

https://prod1.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/mary-morin?fh_id=14585

Spectrum Store on Bottineau Main street is closing
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe(’70): Bottineau, ND

Gary, Karen Larson is shutting down the Spectrum.

I hope others will be bolstered by the photos and story  the tale/story, to go in and see Karen and do the same. Losing the Spectrum and the  expertise of Karen Larson  will be a  great loss to Bottineau and Dunseith. Thanks and take care. Sincerely, Vickie

Gary’s comments
I totally agree with everything you said Vickie. Bottineau and Dunseith too, will be at a loss without the expertise services of Karen and Spectrum.

Thank you Karen for all the services you have provided us and also for the entire community. You are a saint. I for one will miss visiting and seeing you in Spectrum with my visits back to the area.  

Posted by Vickie Metcalfe(’70):  Bottineau, ND
Note: This Picture is also attached

Bottineau Cabins by Oak Creek: Memories from the past
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe(’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith Alumni Friends

May through August is prime for walking a dog.  Lochbuie my diabetic senior  Westie when hurting or tired uses a pet stroller.  Aka ‘Buie’s Cadillac’. I purchased for him because it reminded me of the D-John Deere I used in hayfields of summers long past..

My preference is early morning; at least 6:00 am dawn moseying along the walking path.   Much loved are North Dakota’s Changeling Morns. Be it,

-Calm, and quiet

-Gentle misting soft rain.

-Chilling dam p breeze  w in d.

Strong winds bring the hoody up, hat tucked away, with feet amping up to brisk strides whilst the stroller  hood comes down  for Buie’s protection.   Doggedly, I wander like  ‘the bear ‘went over the mountain to see what he can see.’

Halfway destination is arrived at the walking bridge where the D John Deere is pushed to the edges of the walking bridge and we mindfully gaze in all directions of the flowing or …. Not flowing Oak Creek.

I believe, Water is life.

Life in the hearing, seeing, smelling….‘and the feel

-Wee shy cotton tails or startled gigantic  Jack rabbits,

-splish/splash of the Beaver or Muskrat.

-Shushing, trickling, rushing of water where tiny bugs or microisms call water home.

-Various color birds calling the sun to wake up his sleepy head.

Final focus is on a huge many branched thick willow tree. And I wonder back to 72 years ago if a small-determined  willow branch was here, as my parents began their married life witnessed in the company of friends and family at Dunseith Lutheran Church on September 17, 1947.

Once,  while a child my Mom pointed out the area cabins, saying she and Dad’s wedding night was spent in a little cabin.  Hmm, close to  the flowing water, where the huge willow now has grown so strong and tall.

Given into history, I hauled out moms stuff which was long ago packed away, then,  asking Karen at the “Spectrum” to fwd copies of my parents wedding photo graph, signed guest list, and a yellowed curling clipping from the Star. ( I shall miss Karen as she is closing up shop soon)

Wholly Cow! upon sharing the photo’s’ Karen pulled out an old  photo of the cabins at Oak Creek.

My mom all those years kept in her possession every gift card she received at her wedding.

…I wept as I read them………so sincerely personal and kind.  Many of those folks continued to lend laughter, tears and support through to my parents passing.  Friendship treasured-endures.

Many think clutter. Clutter? I think not.   Frail yellow paper scraps of the past symbolize the strong spirituality of  a woman who treasured her marriage vows.    She and dad lived it together, through glad times and bad times, good health and sickness.

Dad was her one and only love.

Mom also valued family and friends kind and gentle folks who witnessed and supported her and her beloved.She never forgot a kindness.

In summary, for what it’s worth I share pieces of  my family history with y’all.  And, thank you  all kindly.

I dare you all, take a walk  mindfully  at dawn.

Sincerely,

Vickie Leona Metcalfe
August 20, 2019

Wedding of Clifford  David and Charlotte Harriet  (Lamb ) Metcalfe: September 17, 1947
Posted by their Daughter Vickie Metcalfe (’70):
Note: These Pictures are also attached

 My parents were: Clifford  David and Charlotte Harriet  (Lamb ) Metcalfe
Mom’s roots were primarily English, Irish and ..Penn Dutch…..

.Mom’s name.

Charlotte ……….named in  honor of    Maternal  Irish/Penn Dutch …great-grand mother Charlotte Anne (Plymire )Welch,          and  Charlotte  Ann  (O’Moran) Plymire  Irish immigrant  ( early 1700’s) great- great grand mother.
Midle name Harriet is after her English grandmother Harriet Lamb……..

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Blog (789) posted on April 30, 2010

Tommy Belgarde Passed away
Forward from Neola Kofoid Garbe: Minot & Bottineau, ND

Note: I am not familiar with Tommy. I’m pretty sure some of you are though. Please fill us in with Tommy and where he lived etc. Our condolences are with his family with his passing. They are in our prayers. Gary

From:Keplin, Denise S.
Date: 4/29/2010 11:09:20 AM

To:undisclosed-recipients:,

Subject: #2 Prayer requests 4-29-10

Tommy Belgarde died early this morning. Please pray for his family and friends. Will let you know about services when I hear.

Reply from Cheryl Kester Gaugler (69): North Brunswick, NJ

Gary,

After seeing the map you sent today, I realized how close I was to you a couple of weeks ago – my husband and I visited our son in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He’s taking a year-long language course at Utma Jaya University learning Bahasa Indonesia. He loves the country and may end up staying longer. We saw many sites, one of the most amazing was standing at the top of Borobudur when the mist was rising from the jungle at sunrise – absolute breathtaking.

Just want to thank you again for all the coordinating you do keeping us in touch.

Cheryl Kester Gaugler – Class of 1969 Yes, Indonesia is just to the west of us. We have not yet visited Indonesia. Many folks from here have business connections in Viet Nam which is also a hop skip and a jump to the west of us as well. It’s hard to believe, but labor costs are less in Viet Nam than here in the Philippines.
Reunion reply from Shelley Sime Fossen (84): ?????, ND.

Gary – I read the updates all of the time and went to school in Dunseith till the 8th grade. You really are a saint for all you do with this blog. Just when is the date of the banquet? I am wondering if I could take my mom, Connie Burcham Sime, to the meal? I know that this is last minute but she is much too shy to just go on her own and Dad isn’t much of a social butterfly.

Thanks either way :o) Shelley Sime Fossen 1984 Bottineau

PS: Mom would have graduated about 1963 but I am not certain of that year (close). :o)

It’s great to hear from you Shelley. I have your mother listed with the class of 1962 in my records. It’s wonderful that you and your mother plan on attending the reunion. We have added you to our lists for attending. You can just send your payment, payable to Verena.

 Verena Gillis

Angela Berube Malget (65): Minneapolis, MN

 Folks, I just got a message from Angela Berube Malget (65) letting me know that she and Greg will be attending the reunion.

Note to Vickie From Gary
Vickie, I forgot to post this with the last blog. Sorry for the oversight.

Sympathy to Raphael Poitra (’65)
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Dear Gary, Raphael Poitra, and friends of Dunseith Alumni, 

Raphael, sympathy on the passing of  your sister Cecilia (Poitra) Delorme.

            She  always shared her sweet beatific smile while visiting. She’d  often share  about people she treasured; her children and grandchildren, her family and her friends.

            I  truly enjoyed  visiting with her, whenever we met.

Sincerely, 

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Coconut Tree in the Stokes Compound Backyard in the Philippines

Following a long draught, with all the rain in the past several weeks, this lone coconut tree in our back yard has really blossomed.

When we developed our property in 2004, we cut down about 20 mature coconut trees.

This tree is one that has grown back. A mature coconut tree has a trunk length of 60’ to 80’. The fruit is all on the top. There are no branches on the trunks. This tree is still growing. It has a trunk length of about 8’.

These coconuts are heavy. Falling from a height of 80’ can be very dangerous. Before cutting them down in 2004, several fell on our tin roof making big dents.

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Blog (788) posted on April 29, 2010

Obituaries

Lucien Casavant

Reply from Lucien Casavant (69): Fort Mill, SC

Gary, For sure Lucien Casavant is our Uncle…the nicest uncle ever…and his wife Alma, was a scream…we loved our Aunt Alma. She had this Lucille Ball type personality. Aggie

Follow up reply from Aggie

Hey Gary, It’s me again. I think the gal in the picture with Stella S. is her daughter Kathy S. Haven’t seen her 43 years but I’m positive it’s her. Aggie

Reply to Dick Johnson (68) form Aggie:

To Dick, Wow those snow picture really were jammed packed with winter memories of N.Dakota. Really caught me off gaurd… I guess just surviving half a dozen tornados ripping through the Carolinas this past couple days makes a person forget that it’s almost Christmas… Loooking at those pictures,I can almost smell the snow…Beautiful… Simply Beautiful..thanks for sharing…Aggie

To Gary, you need to go on that show the Apprentice with Donald Trump…He would probably hire you with all the construction you;’ve been doing. looks Great! Aggie

Aggie, you are right, folks identified the gal standing with Stella as her daughter Kathy. Gary

 Reply from Lynn Halvorson Otto (75): Boonton, NJ

DHS Class of 1969 held their 50th Class Reunion
Posting from Marvel Hill Thompson (69):  Bottineau, ND

The DHS Class of 1969 held their 50th Class Reunion on July 26 and 27.  We met at Dales Lounge with the start of visiting and eating.  Saturday, we had our class picture taken at the wheel, toured both the high school we attended and then onto the elementary to tour the new gym, WOW what a fantastic gym,  Capacity is 1985. Finished the event with  a banquet back at Dales and had  more stories and tears remembering our fun times.  We also had a short memorial in memory of the classmates who we lost way too soon.   Dales provided a private area for us.  Food and waitress were soooo great.

Thank you Staff of Dales.  Would recommend to any reunions.

See you later . Take care and safe travels Class of 1969.

Marvel

Condolences to Warren Anderson (’65)
From Ron Longie (’65):  Yakima, WA

Warren I’m so sorry to read of the loss of Cora please my sincere Condolences, prayers of strength go out to you, and Family

Raphael Poitra’s (’65) sister, Cecilia (Tootsie) Delorme,  passed away
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends of Dunseith School

Cecelia was her family’s matriarch.

Tootsie ( Cecilla)  was from a well-known  Poitra family,  North  of Dunseith proper.

She  was the  daughter of Ralph Poitra, sister of Raphael,

Niece of Alcide Lajimodiere, and mother of  ’70  classmate Carol Ann (Parsien) Lavallie.

I extended sympathy  to her  entire family.

Sincerely Vickie L. Metcalfe

Gary’s Comment;
I didn’t know Cecelia, but Raphael I know well from our DHS Class of ’65.
I extend my condolences to Raphael and all of Cecelia’s family. Being a Brother to Raphael, I know she was a good person too.

Cecilia Mae Delorme
May 13, 1930 – July 21, 2019

Cecelia Mae Delorme, age 89 of Dunseith, died July 21, 2019 in a Belcourt hospital. Her funeral will be held on Monday, July 29, 2019 at 10:00 Am in the St. Michael’s the Arch Angel Church in Dunseith. A wake will begin on Sunday at 4:00 P.M. in the church.

NOTE: Historical Event Saturday, July 27
Posted by Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and friends of Dunseith Alumni

Tomorrow,10:00 a..m. – 1:30 p.m SATUR DAY, JULY  27, 2019, representatives of  Turtle Mountain Band  of Chippewa and the International Peace Garden will be working in conjunction to raise the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribal Flag.

I just heard  about this event on the Bottineau  Radio Station\ this morning. I understand there will be tribal drumming, slide show stories , traditional and Metis dancing   …….and traditional food.

1.I love history.

2. I enjoy people working  on mutual goals together .
3. I enjoy music.
4. I enjoy  trying different foods.
5. I enjoy the serenity of the Peace Garden.

After the Great Depression,

A paternal Uncle  Archie, like so  many other young men, worked  in the C.C.’s  building up the structures and grounds in the mid-thirties. My maternal Grandfather Robert E. Lamb and my mother (as a child) walked  from #43 East  many miles……

long,  long  ago  the day the  Garden was dedicated. The Lamb/Wicks families gathered at the picnic areas for many  a year.

Alas, the last few years  the cost to enter has grown to be more prohibitive. So I canna truthfully say how much a person has to pay to get in to this event.

Sincerely,

Vickie L. Metcalfe

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Blog (787) posted on April 28, 2010

Wesley Schnieder Story on a good ole ND Blizzard afternoon.

From Vickie Metcalfe (70): Bottineau, ND

Gary,

Today, October 27, was a very windy time here in ND. The wind brought wet snows and flung tree branches around.

Finding the school was shut down, I couldn’t walk far with the fear of my dogs flying. OK. Actually, they just turned around and let me know there was no way they’d be enticed to go any where until this afternoon, I said, “Ok lets go see Wes and Ovidia.” I had another story for Wes to approve the final draft.

My neighbors were doing fine, burrowed snug in their house. Buie sat dozing lazily, being gently stroked by Wes for a length of time. Thor relaxed at his feet. It was one of those old fashioned “snow days”. I said Wes, “This afternoon I couldn’t quite complete my “deep cleaning” chore I set out to do. I’ve been laughing, thrown back to a memory of my dad by one of your stories. So, I just had to sit down and put pencil to paper with this recent Wes story. ” For what it’s worth here it is. Vic

A Perfectly Good Pair of Pants Story

at first it twasŠever so faint. Then louderŠ.Grunts and slapping continued to ensue ____”ed–uhl UHL”. _____One day, Wes age 10, heard a neighbors voice from a distance. Wes, and it seemed neighbors from miles around heard. “ed—uhl.”

What was that? Another roar louder and more panicky again ! Then a final mighty, great roar! “ed——u!——– ed —–UH!——ED—-UHL!—-‘” “Neighbors uncertain what to do, although they knew the neighbor was yelling for his wife.

Once upon that time, there was this fellow and his wife Ethel, living on land west of the Schneider farm. This fellow had a problem with vermin in his granary. One bright morning, “Lookin at his dog he came to a conclusion much to the demise of the—er ???!”

BRIGHT IDEA? humm-mmm-hmmM-MMMMM? He decided to outsmart those pesky vermin. So, he threw a board over one hole, and stood over another. In anticipation of a show down, he’d brought his loyal dog as back up with him into the wood granary. He had the hopes of the little dog killing the vermin.

The scene that followed was purely. Unfortunate.

When It, Mr. “???” couldn’t get up one hole. Came up the other hole where he found himself lookin up, up, up,at the big man The man who weighed close to 300 pounds. STOMP_____. STOMP____. came down the big mans FEET.

Commotion and pandemonium followed. It seemed to the man it was a long battle. Oh my, that poor little ???! In fear, finally cornered, nearly dying of fright, did just about the only thing “IT” could. He ran up the mans big. booted foot and up, up up, the inside of an overall leg.

HUH???? EEEEEH! SLAP! ,SLAP “eeeEW” yelled the man to his wife at the house. Grunts and slapping continued to ensue “-“ED–uhl”. Neighbors heard. Another, bellowing roar, louder, more panicky , again “ed——u!——–” “ed —–UH!”——“ED—-UHL!”

The man with his big hand had cornered a ??? in his pants —just above the knee. He hobbled to the house, “ed—uhl”, “ED—HUL” “Det da scessors”. “The wife came running, with the scissors, and cut a hole through the fabric . And pulled out —-a very, quite, DEAD-END of a R- A -T.

Sadly, the poor little dog had no more vermin to chase and sadder yet it twas the end of another perfectly good pair of pants.

A Wes Story, as told to, then retold and embellished by Vickie On one fine October Snow Day, 2010

Early ND Snow
Pictures from Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

We are just now getting the end of a two day winter blast. The only problem is that it’s still fall according to the calender. These are just a few shots I took today around the place. My haying equipment looks like it is now retired for the winter although it still needs to be cleaned up and put inside for the real winter The one picture is overlooking Horseshoe Lake from the north. It’s pretty, but what a mess for a few days ahead! I bet my pal Bill Hosmer is glad he made it back south before this hit! As he says, “It kind of brings a tear to you eye, doesn’t it.” Thanks Gary!

Dick

Stokes House addition in the Philippines

Folks, Several of you have requested pictures of our new house addition in progress. This is a 22″ x 40′ addition that includes a living room, master bedroom/bath and and an outside toilet accessible only from the outside.

Note: The blue tarp provides shade from the 90 degree heat.

Living room, 22′ X 20′, with 4 large windows & two exterior doors.

The walls are ready for paint.
They are working on the ceiling.

Up to the ceiling, everything is cement.Very labor intense and time consuming.

I could never afford the labor costs back in the states for this kind of construction.

Looking out from inside the living room.

Looking out our kitchen back door into the newly constructed Pantry way entrance to the house. Rather than paint, we decided to tile (ceramic) the walls of this room. The building thru the door is our outside kitchen/laundry building.

Cora (Warren ’65) Anderson Passed away.

Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary and Dunseith Alumni,

Todays (July 18)  Minot Daily Today
I read of t the passing of Cora ANderson.

I offer sincere sympathy to her  family on their  loss .

Vickie L. Metcalfe

Gary’s Comments

Warren; I was so saddened to hear of Cora’s passing. She was a good person and a nice person married to one of the finest guys on the face of this earth too. She will be missed. We extend our condolences to you and all of your families with her passing.

 SHARON (CORA) ANDERSON’S OBITUARY

Sharon Cora Marion-Anderson
March 22, 1950 – July 11, 2019

Sharon Cora Marion-Anderson, 69, Minot, ND, formerly of Rolette, ND, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2019, a Trinity Medical Center of Minot.

Sharon was born March 22, 1950, the youngest of 12 children born to Herman Marion and Georgianna Smith-Marion, in Belcourt, ND. During her early years of education, she attended St. Ann’s Catholic Mission in Belcourt. For her freshman year, she attended Stephan Boarding School in South Dakota. Sharon’s education continued at Belcourt High School, where she graduated in 1968.

She attended Haskell Indian Nations College in Haskell, KS and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Business. Her first employment in the workforce was at the State Capital in Bismarck, ND with the Driver’s License Division. She then began a 17 year career with Indian Health Service in Belcourt, which extended it to Washington D.C., Aberdeen, SD and Billings, MT. While in Billings, she attended college and received a four year degree in Business. She then moved back to Belcourt and was employed at the Turtle Mountain Community College.

While attending Haskell, Sharon met Wales Chester Bulltail and they were married in 1971. They had one child, a son, Conrad. The marriage was later dissolved.

In 1999, Sharon married Warren Anderson. They made their home in Rolette, ND for 20 years, where they enjoyed retirement.

Sharon loved her pets: George, her cat, and Lucy and Sassy, her two overprotective dogs. She had a soft heart for all animals. She spoke up when her husband went hunting. They enjoyed traveling, and visited Vietnam in 2012 and Israel and Turkey in 2017.

Sharon’s hobbies included growing flowers, reading and attending school sports, especially when her nephews or grandchildren were playing. She always had a book by her side. She loved playing cards, especially with her cousins, the “trickster” Marion girls. She loved family and get-togethers for birthdays and holidays.

Surviving family includes: Husband, Warren Anderson; son, Conrad (Kim) Bulltail and their daughter, Illyanna; sister, Phyllis (Dave) Jollie; brothers, Clark (Shirley) Marion and Frank (LaVina) Marion; step-brother-in-laws, Lawrence (Shirley) Anderson and Charles (Mona) Anderson; step-sister-in law, Mary Millang; 13 step-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She loved all family with a big heart.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; 8 brothers and sisters; and her step-sister-in-law, Shirley Doan.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, July 20, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rolette, ND.

Visitation:  Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. followed by a Vigil Prayer Service and Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rolette, ND.

Memorials: are preferred to the Rolette County Veterans Service Officer in Rolla, ND.

Sharon Haakenson, Bottineau, Passed away

Sharon was married to Dennis (Hawkeye) Haakenson. Dennis is a 2^nd cousin to both Neola Kofoid Garbe and me. I believe Sharon and Sandy (Rick) Gottbreht are first cousins too.

Dennis and Sharron are/were very well known throughout the area. They are known for their horses.

Sharon’s death was sudden. Not expected.

Please follow the link below for her obituary

https://www.nerofuneralhome.net/obituary/sharon-haakenson

 
Elusive Juneberry is Season____ somewhere in ND
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70):  Bottineau, ND

Gary, Alumni and Friends of Dunseith,
July 14, 2019

The Elusive, Juneberry

I was a child, in the era before a freezer in every home. The root cellar held vast quanities of treasure; jars lined the shelves within walls. Mom pressure canned produce from her garden; vegetables including tomatoes, cabbage, cucumber, carrots, green and yellow beans.

The little dry but cool & dark corner of the cellar held a colourful calico plethora of quart jars filled with  vegetables, rhubarb juice, as well as stewed beef, deer and chicken.

Mom had a nose for finding and processing juice, jams jellies, pickles, and various fruits of the wild; including plums, pin cherries, raspberries, high bush cranberries, chokecherries and ___JUNEBERRIES. And come winter. It was always tempting to crawl down into the cellar an raid the fruit.

May and June brings spring’s fragrant promise of renewal. However in nature there always “lurks possibility of a hard freeze”.

I base this on a man with extraordinary memory and knowledge, who lived into his 90’s, Uncle Bill Metcalfe. Uncle Bill, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter wore long handled woolies. One July.  I said, “Uncle, Bill,” “Do you wear those all the time, why?” He replied, “They insulate from the heat and are warm in the cold.” “ “One time I took them off the fourth of July but put them back on the fifth of July. He also said, (In his long life) “ I have seen a hard freeze in every month.”  Uncle Bill was always well prepared, wise, and carried within him, simple deep faith.

I was told, One spring, June day, although heavy with child, Mary, adamently insisted Bill to hook up the team. For a long drive. They were to drive South and west to pick berries and camp.  Mary, had been told about the heavy leaden Juneberry trees were plentiful in the foot hills above the prairie. Once there while picking juneberries, daughter Alice, was borne in June at Butte St Paul.

Through the years juneberries patches seem become more elusive. In the last few years it seems the berries are are not ready until July.   I hear, many people hold on and don’t share  the  secrets. One secret always well kept is the location of…_a Juneberry patch.

My mom’s  favorite pie was juneberry.

I was not fond of juneberry pie. But, her last summer, one July, with the aid of Wayne Barbot of Waynes Grocery Store in Dunseith, I purchased berries for many pies.  Armed with purchased frozen crust I picked berries clean and sought recipes from expert bakers I knew.

I found out how simple pie baking is when…..a-hem…. okay… whole _truth.  Actually, quite simple.  Me and Pillsbury Frozen crust!

Yesterday prior to Eleanor’s funeral, whilst in Rugby, a former Bottineau co-worker greeted me at Cenex. He and his family  now live in Bismarck. He told me he was on road trip to Pembina. _ To _____pick elusive ___Juneberries.  He was told they were abundant.

He shared a juneberry recipe which he said he uses on his from scratch cheese cakes.

2 C. juneberries, ¾ C. Sugar, 1 T. cornstarch,

¾ C. Water, 1 T. almond extract stir together,thicken stirring over heat.

When thick, cool, spoon gently over cheese cake.

He kindly said, “Vickie You could just spoon it into a crust if you can’t make a cheese cake.”

Hmm. “I don’t have to go searching for elusive berries, my insurance man thought it odd when I requested to up the insurance to apply to my freezer.

He didn’t know.          It was all about elusive JUNEBERRYS! Those little treasures are well packaged hidden in the deep in the well issured_ freezer.

Until later,

Vickie Leona Metcalfe
Sometime in Ellusive Juneberry Season 2019

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Blog (786) posted on April 27, 2010

Lester & Marian Johnson

Eleanor Rose (Metcalfe) Nerpel Passed away (Kathy & Ken’s Mother)

 (Eleanor was the eldest of the many Metcalfe First cousins.)

Gary’s Comments:

We extend our condolences to Ken (’65) and Kathy(’64) with the passing of their mother. We know it’s hard and you will miss her.

Kathy was with the class of ’64 and Ken was with my/our class of ’65.

Ken: you and I have some fond, or maybe some not so fond, memories of going through Army Basic Training together in the summer of 1968 at Fort Lewis, WA. We were both drafted. I have forgotten if we were 3^rd or 4^th rank in formations, but you were always to my right. That I  will never forget. Basic was no picnic. They for sure made men out of boys. They were preparing us for war with training that enhanced our character and outlook on life for a life too.

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Blog (785) posted on April 26, 2010

Call Centers:

The other day a friend of ours from the states called his credit card company to let them know he is living in the PI. The gal at the call center taking the call said she lives in and was taking his call from right here in Cebu. When calling for technical support one never knows what part of the world you are calling. Gary

Important reminder – Dunseith Alumni Reunion

For those of you that attended Dunseith schools, planning on attending the reunion, Verena needs your Registration payment by the end of the month (4 more days) enabling you to get a Tee Shirt. Those attending that do not have their Registration payment to Verena by April 30th will not be getting a Tee Shirt.

You can mail your $5.00 registration fee and $10.00 if you want the catered Roast beef dinner ($15.00 Total per person) to Verena at the following address

Verena Gillis
PO Box, 785
Dunseith, ND 58329

John Boguslawski (68) Memories:
From Dick Johnson (68): Dunseith, ND

Gary and Friends,

When Trish said she could just see John Bogus standing there, I know what she means. We did so many things together that the memories stay clear. He certainly did have a quiet sense of humor and sly smile. I often wonder what he would be doing now if he was still with us. He had finished college and worked for Bobcat in Bismarck for a while and then had taken a job with a tool and die manufacturer in the Minneapolis area. That type of work was right up his alley as he was always designing some mechanical device of some kind. He had married a very nice gal named Christy and things were going good when he lost his life in the river drowning accident. That was in the spring of 1981. It really doesn’t seem possible that it’s nearly 30 years ago. I guess our good memories of our old pal John will have to fill the void. The upcoming reunion will be a good place to reconnect and reminisce with old friends and classmates before time thins our ranks even more. There is an old saying—-‘Time waits for no man’—it seems to be more true by the day. Thanks Gary!

Dick

Previously posted by Dick Johnson in message 500 (Class of 68 folks)

Those in the pictures: John Bogus with the multi colored shirt, Rich Campbell with the block of wood, Greg Grimme with the hat on, and Tim Hill with the ‘ I think we made it ‘ look!

Note: Dick was taking the picture

Reply/Picture from Trish Larson Wild (73): FORT COLLINS, CO

Hi Gary,
I’m sorry to say that there was just not enough time for me to make the ride to Dunseith next month. I’m still working full time in the Loveland Emergency Room through May, and hyper focused on fundraising and preparing for my exodus in the fall. I’m sorry to miss all the fun I’m sure you’ll be having, but rest assured, I’ll be reading your blog and looking for photos!

Things are coming together very well for my ride to Argentina. I will be putting a website up sometime in mid to late May which I hope will make it fun and easy for people to follow along and communicate with me on my ride. My old desk top computer broke down a few weeks ago, but one of my sponsors has promised to deliver a new laptop by the end of April. Once that is acquired, I will be up and running full steam on the internet. Meanwhile, I’m making occasional entries on my blogsite, listed below. People can now sign up as charter “followers” and receive notification when new entries are posted.

The plan is still to head south from Colorado on 10/10/10. In the meantime, I’m planning to increase my riding time gradually, cutting back at work and riding more each month until finally I am full time in the saddle (living in the Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain National Forests) by August, or September at the latest.

Thanks for your interest in this epic adventure! All are welcome to join me on my ride electronically. I will also be taking reservations along the way for friends who would like to join me in person, as I will have an extra horse for that purpose. I expect to be riding through some spectacular scenery, including the Inca Trail in the mountains of Peru….

I’ve included a photo I took this morning in my back yard as I was leaving for work. These are my friendly geldings, Magic and Midnight. I call them the Prince and the Pirate, based on their personalities! As you can see, we still have snow on the mountain. Spring is on the way however, and I expect there will be many sunny days ahead this summer!

All kinds of fun stuff coming together. Sorry I won’t be able to join you in North Dakota, but I really enjoy our connection, and hope to hear from some of you as time goes by.

Your Friend in Adventure,

Trish Wild
The Equine Nomad
www.trishwild.blogspot.com

Hi Gary,

Here’s another photos of me with Magic, after a 25 mile ride over the mountains into Fort Collins last week.

Trish

Folks, These are some pictures from the achieves:

2007 Class of 65 reunion
L to R: Bernadette Stokes in Back, Margaret Metcalfe Leonard, Bill Grimme, Cecile Berube Reynolds & Phyllis McKay


December 1973
Rene & John Bedard

Agnes Berg & Dick Johnson (68)